Maple Leaf Elementary in Morden kicks off I Love to Read Month with live animals

February is I Love To Read month, an annual celebration of literacy in Manitoba. 

Maple Leaf Elementary school in Morden launched this special month on Thursday, February 1st.

"This year our theme is 'Reading Helps Me Soar," said Tara Routhier, guidance counsellor and member of the planning committee.

"The city of Morden and Wealth Management Team brought to us Reading with the Raptors. It was live animals, story books and lots of information about owls and rabbits and how they rescue animals that are hurt and release them if they can. The kids were very excited to see the live animals and to ask questions and to learn cool facts."

Students will be taking part in reading challenges and other activities to inspire families to read at home, said Kerri Jerema, ELA teacher and co-member of the planning committee.

"The winning class for the Bingo Challenge will actually get a pizza party, a class lunch pizza party sponsored by Ichkaben Doner."

On Monday students can take part in Cuddle Up and Read, when families are invited to come in their pajamas to read stories in the gym and enjoy some snacks.

ML I Love to Read Committee Left to Right: Courtny Kroeker, Kerri Jerema, Krystal Thiessen, Chelsea Enns, Tara Routhier missing Darlene Keith, Randall Klassen, Jeri Martens

Routhier says next week's activities will also feature an art show at the Pembina Hills Art Gallery.

"Our Grade 4 students from Minnewasta and Maple Leaf and our English as a Second Language learners are going to present some projects that they've been working on. The opening night is Wednesday from 5:00 to 9:00 at the Art Gallery. Our students are lucky enough that they get to go and visit the art show next Thursday afternoon."

The school will also be visited by Indigenous and local authors as well as Pembina Valley Online Reporter Robyn Wiebe.

~With files by Robyn Wiebe~