Author kicks off Lloyd reading program

By PAM JADUE

neighbors@vindy.com

Lloyd Elementary School in Austintown hosted a visit from guest author and humorist Brian Cleary as a kickoff to their independent reading program titled “Shooting for the Stars.”

Students from the kindergarten through third-grade attended assemblies where Cleary used his rhythmically written and humorous writings to tell stories, teach reading skills and entertain his audience. Cleary, who writes children’s books, has authored the series “Words are Categorical” which has sold nearly 2 million copies along with a long list of other titles.

The guest author was enthusiastically received by the Lloyd students who were wearing homemade versions of Cleary’s signature bowtie along with the Lloyd teaching staff and literacy coaches from throughout the school district. He was invited by the school’s Principal Mr. Thomas Lenton to expand upon what the teachers are already doing to encourage students to read and write.

Cleary uses mnemonic strategies, poetry and humor in his writing to help students remember important information and expand their vocabulary. He engaged the students in the program by eliciting student and teacher responses as he read from his book, “Peanut Butter and Jellyfish.” It includes whimsical rhymes for learning the sounds of the alphabet.

First-grade students also helped write a silly story that Cleary used to teach the students about nouns and adjectives. The students were surprised to learn that Cleary was inspired to write as a child by reading books by Dr. Seuss. He encouraged the students to think about the types of books that they enjoy reading.

Cleary, who is originally from the Cleveland area, has traveled to more than 350 schools in 40 states conducting similar teaching sessions.

“I’ve been to all types of schools. Some schools have been as small as a one-room school house and some extremely large schools. You can see how alike kids can be regardless of whether they live in a big brownstone building in the city or a house in a small town,” he said.

He said he enjoys visiting the schools and feels that he is rewarded for his efforts in many ways.

“I am always inspired by the number of truly dedicated teachers I’ve met along the way and the kids who say the most amazing and inspiring things.”

Cleary answered questions at the end of the session. When asked about how his background prepared him to be a writer, he said that he had teachers who were interested in poetry and writing who helped to inspire him. He also gave the teachers ideas on how to help their students work through writers block.

As the assembly cleared out, Cleary took time to visit with students and sign books that students and teachers brought with them.