2011 Projects

Alpha Alpha Psi Chapter Camden County College Literacy Alive: Blast Off into Reading! Students of the Cool Kids Club of Winslow School 5 blasted off through Outer Space with themed activity and reading stations. After students completed activities at all of the stations, the Alpha Alpha Psi members and students read two books together while enjoying some snacks. Some members even taught students rhymes and songs for remembering the order of the planets. At the end of the day, each student picked out a brand new book and a handmade bookmark. Students not only learned about the planets and constellations, but also realized they can find out about almost anything just by reading a book. Members found that many students were instantly interested in what members had to say as soon as one of they showed interest and excitement toward the activity or book.

Alpha Alpha Tau Chapter Marian University Books Building Bridges: Cultural Connections around the World The Alpha Alpha Tau members partnered with College Mentors for Kids with the “Books Building Bridges:  Cultural Connections around the World” two-part event. Working with 37 students, the members focused on the countries of Haiti, Ireland, Australia, and China. They located the featured country on a map or globe, and then read a book representing that country. The students tasted a typical food and also participated in an activity related to part of the country’s culture. A week later, students and families gathered at their school for pizza and a Family Night that combined math, science, and literacy.

Several activities built on the activities from the previous week, including tangrams, graphing the number of people who liked the taste of Vegemite, and estimating the weight of potatoes using balances. New activities included interactive placemats, magnets, and balloon rockets. The members capped off the evening with a reading of a few pages of Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches, a collection of several short stories that have to do with not judging by outward appearances and not being afraid of unfamiliar or different things. One comment from a parent summed up the experiences: “This event was nice to slow families down to learn together.” One participant took her family's book and went up to each Alpha Alpha Tau Member and asked them to sign her book!

Alpha Alpha Upsilon Chapter Purdue University North Central Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. the Alpha Alpha Upsilon members collaborated with P.L.A.Y.C.E., another campus club and created the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Event literacy event. The morning started with a free breakfast for families bringing donated books for needy families in the community. Following the breakfast, guests participated in a menu of choices to honor the great civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following the breakfast, 40 children aged of 2–12 attended an event at the public library where they participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including creating mobiles with their dream for a peaceful society and listening to books about Martin Luther King, Jr. Students came to understand the importance of getting along with people without judging them.

While this was a day off from school for students, the Alpha Alpha Upsilon members provided an exceptional day of learning about Martin Luther King, Jr. Members quickly discovered it is important to give students a chance to participate in even more learning opportunities than school alone can give them.

Alpha Beta Gamma Chapter St. John’s University, Staten Island Campus Dr. Seuss Read-A-Loud Pajama Party The Alpha Beta Gamma members met their goal to cultivate meaningful parental engagement in the literacy development of their pre-kindergarten and kindergarten children, with their Dr. Seuss Read-A-Loud Pajama Party, which served 35 families from eight elementary schools. While students engaged in small reading groups highlighting Dr. Seuss stories and related activities facilitated by the members, parents participated in a session about ways to productively support literacy development facilitated by two reading specialists. Parents gained a heightened awareness of the value in reading daily with their child for 20 minutes, while students were motivated to have fun reading—all while wearing PJs! members witnessed first-hand that students differ in their learning styles and differentiated instruction is essential to maximize learning experiences for all students serve.

Alpha Beta Iota Chapter Boise State University Literacy Alive! An evening of free and educational activities plus an opportunity for parents to enjoy a date made for one amazing Literacy Alive Event for the Alpha Beta Iota members. Students rolled up their sleeves and dug into the stories by participating in a content-based literary analysis, kinesthetic activities that reinforced language and reading development, and re-enacted the stories in a creative reader's theater. Students had a blast and members not only interacted with excited students but were able to apply strategies, methods and skills tips learned from their college courses.

Alpha Beta Omega Chapter University of Arkansas Fort Smith Wouldn't You Like to Know? Using technology to spark interest in nonfiction, the Alpha Beta Omega Middle Level Education Major members captivated 272 seventh grade students. Based on a survey of students’ interests conducted by the teachers, the members chose five biographical books. The members doled out books as door prizes for students and the Media Specialist/Librarian walked away with a $200 gift certificate from Scholastic Books to purchase books. Students were excited about books and realized that others care about their learning. Through this format, the members reached many more students in a short amount of time than they have ever been able to do before.

Alpha Delta Omega Chapter Texas A&M University–San Antonio Fiesta Kids to Cubs In order to give back to their community and school, Alpha Delta Omega members hosted their first "Family Night Fiesta," to allow college students a chance to bring their family and friends to enjoy a night including food, fun, and reading! Families enjoyed food while their children attentively listened to members read fiesta- and tiger-themed books including some in both English and Spanish. After reading, the students discussed the colorful banners, street decorations, and the float parades of the Fiesta. Then they painted their faces to look just like tiger cubs and created maracas for the fiesta.

It was a perfect blend of youth and culture! Because of the event, students have a better understanding and knowledge of culture and relationships between animals and humans such as the children and the cubs. Members felt great to give back to their community and fellow students!

Alpha Delta Theta Chapter Marian University Dr. Seuss Day 2011 It was a Dr. Seuss celebration thanks to the efforts of the Alpha Delta Theta members who set up reading, listening, and coloring stations throughout the local library. Students listened to The Cat in the Hat and then colored and cut out hats. They watched The Lorax and played a Save the Earth game. Finally students made gooey oobleck after listening to Bartholomew and the Oobleck. Six lucky winners walked away with door prizes consisting of a library book bag filled with Dr. Seuss books, Dr. Seuss stuffed toys, pencils, and library bookmarks. Members discovered that this experience was another great example of how literature can be used to connect with students and the community.

Alpha Epsilon Chi Chapter Judson University Trick or Treat...Give Me Something Good to Read! In the fall, Alpha Epsilon Chi members partnered with the Illinois Reading Council's Parents and Reading Committee for an unforgettable Treat or Treat Experience. While parents in the library learned techniques to help their young readers at home, P–2nd graders were absorbed in fall and harvest activities. Students acted out the path of seeds and growing; planted pumpkin seeds in a slide-locked bag; crafted magic masks; created art projects using leaves, counted seeds, and made pumpkin pie in a bag! And, the pie also was consumed. As a special treat at the end of the activities, each child received a fall book and special literacy treat bag. Families had such a great time that they didn’t want to leave. The members put their course work into practice modeling multisensory literacy activities.

Alpha Epsilon Omicron Chapter Campbellsville University Read Across America In honor of the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the Alpha Epsilon Omicron members and education faculty from Campbellsville University read Dr. Seuss or other books to students at Taylor County Elementary School. The students appreciated the presence of a caring adult reading to them and the donated Seuss books. Members learned that involvement in local schools is simple but requires careful organization. They discovered how excited and eager the children were for Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat, readers and the free books.

Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter Western Governors University Literacy Deployed! The president of the Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chapter videotaped students in the Schweinfurt Elementary School in Germany reading books to their deployed parents. Photos were taken of each child sitting in front of Christmas background. The president compiled the video reading and photos and e-mailed them to the students’ parents in Afghanistan and Iraq in time for a wonderful Christmas present. Several students chose a book above their assigned reading level to show their parent they were progressing and reading better. The program was received quite well by the school, community, and parents who were able to watch a video of their child reading them a book for Christmas.

Alpha Epsilon Xi Chapter Walden University It All Begins With A.... Alpha Epsilon Xi members used the elements of creativity, imagination, and writing in a storytelling project with a local elementary school after-school program. Students in grades 1–3 created an original poem using the Color Poem template. Fourth through sixth graders wrote their own fairytale stories beginning the simple line Once upon a time. All finished projects were published into a take-home book for all participants. Students developed fluency in writing through a fun, non-pressured atmosphere. Members shared their knowledge and love of writing with the students. They appreciated the students’ willingness to take a chance and work outside of their comfort zone and explore their imaginations.

Alpha Iota Chapter University of North Texas Evers Park Elementary The Alpha Iota Chapter members treated the students at Evers Park Elementary school to an amazing literacy menu, with six courses of content: Writing, Reading, Math, Art, Science, and Social Studies set up as booths. Each featured a book and accompanying activities. Students actively absorbed the information through activities such as painting with bubble paint and making college pennants. The participants left with lots of completed activities and books. Many of the attendees did not speak English as their first language, and this experience allowed them to experience a wide variety of subjects and activities along with reading.

By implementing activities with stories, the students made meaningful connections. Members learned techniques to engage students in their own learning. At the end of the day, each child left with two new books of their own.

Alpha Mu Chapter University of Wyoming Reading is Fun Event This Reading is Fun Event for all K–2 students in Albany County at the Public Library consisted of three game stations, a snack station where the kids decorated Dr Seuss's birthday cookies, and a reading station all run by KDP members dressed up as their favorite story book characters. There was even a parent station with coffee and tea where parents could sit and talk while watching their kids. Parents also were invited to visit stations with their children. The parents so liked the fun and safe environment that many said they planned to bring their kids back again next year. For members, this event reinforced why they want to work with children—and they “got be kids for a day,” too.

Alpha Zeta Delta Chapter Broward College Seuss at School Seuss at School was a week-long literacy event conducted at the Broward College South Campus preschool center. Each day a group of Alpha Zeta Delta members visited two preschools and three Prekindergarten classes to read a selected Dr. Seuss story and lead specific literacy activities designed to develop phonemic awareness, phonics, number sense, and listening skills. After reading the books, members donated them to the classes. The preschoolers eagerly participated in the literacy activities following each reading. Alpha Zeta Delta members enjoyed the interaction with young children and learned children are eager and responsive to well-planned and organized learning activities.

Beta Delta Chapter Southeastern Oklahoma State University KDP Literacy Alive! at Robert E. Lee Elementary How can volunteers from the football, golf and tennis teams, along with Kappa Delta Pi members, get students excited about literacy? Beta Delta members and their sports-minded volunteers read books, conducted a puppet show, and created “Cat in the Hat” inspired hats and bow ties for all of the students PK–3rd grade from Robert E. Lee Elementary. The chapter also raised money to purchase books for the first graders and, during a special classroom ceremony, students received their own books.

Finally, the chapter and volunteers conducted two different "family nights" for kindergarten students and their families at the local library. The program included refreshments and a musical puppet show, “The Chef and the Secret Ingredient.” Attendees learned about the Summer Library Reading Program, went on Library tours, and had an opportunity to sign up for a library card. Robert E. Lee Elementary students and faculty were very pleased with the activities and the library staff was most appreciative of getting families involved in their programming. Beta Delta members found commented that they learned and grew from this multi-faceted experience.

Beta Iota Chapter Western Michigan University Literacy across the Content Areas On March 2 the Beta Iota Chapter hosted “Literacy across the Content Areas” at Northeastern Elementary School. At stations around the school’s gym, members presented activities related to the content areas of social studies, science, art, math, and language arts. Activities included geography poems, comic strips, sequencing activities, math riddles, shape books, readers’ theater, puppet-making, bookmark decorating, acrostic poems, and read-a-louds. In addition to a book, each student received additional literacy activities to complete at home, as well as pens, pencils, notebooks, and pencil sharpeners.

Adult family members in attendance received magazines and informational pamphlets to help improve at-home literacy experiences for their families. Participants learned that literacy skills are not exclusive to the subjects of reading and writing. Members practice their networking skills as they interacted with children and their families and guided students in literacy activities that cover a wide range of different content areas. “Literacy across the Content Areas” was an amazing way to provide positive experiences with literacy!

Beta Tau Chapter University of Wisconsin–La Crosse Literacy Alive! Beta Tau Chapter members prepared activities highlighting various children's books. At a local library, a book was read at each table followed by a hands on-activity to hook students into understanding the story plot and sequence. Chapter members learned that literacy and understanding are difficult for some students, but through patience, consistency, and a willingness to support each child, lessons are learned.

Beta Upsilon Chapter Washington University Expanding Minds through Art and Reading Expanding Minds through Art and Reading was a full-day event at Jefferson Elementary in St. Louis, MO. There was morning session for older students and an afternoon session for younger students. Each session had four stations. At the art station, students designed community flags to display their personal interests and ideas on community. At the physical activity station, team-building activities focused on community and working together.  At science and gardening, the students listened to books about planting and community gardens and then created a set of potted plants.

At the final station each student listened to a book and received one to take home. Each teacher picked out five books for his or her classroom library. Chapter members gained a deeper understanding of community’s needs and that while exceptional preparation is necessary for success, the most important piece to any plan designed for children is positive personal interaction.

Delta Chi Chapter Southern Illinois University–Carbondale Reading, Math, and Science Night  Athletes reading aloud, hands-on math, and exciting science experiments fulfilled Reading, Math, and Science Night at Carruthers Elementary School in Murphysboro, Illinois. Students and their families went to “night school” for activity sessions, supper, and a prize drawing. The members of Delta Chi and other Southern Illinois University athletes read aloud to students and completed story related activities during a 30-minute reading session. Students took their materials home, along with a free book. In addition to promoting across-content-area literacy, this event’s purpose included increasing communication between families and school personnel.

It was a learning event for members too as they realized many parents really do care about their children’s success in school, but lack the knowledge or resources to carry out the desire. Planning this type of event helped members reach out to the community, interact with the students’ families, and improve community relations.

Delta Nu Chapter University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Literacy Alive! The Delta Nu “think tank” developed a great LA! program for a book reading that would be accompanied by a craft and snack. Unfortunately, due to district policy, the created flyers could not be distributed directly to students. Although members were unable to carry out the event this year, with this learning experience, they plan to implement a similar program next year with additional advertising.

Epsilon Kappa Chapter Michigan State University Marching into Reading Seventh and eighth-grade ESL students, along with Epsilon Kappa Chapter members, “Marched into Reading” for an entire month. Twice weekly in March, KDP members went into students’ homerooms to conduct a presentation on a book and then worked with students in small groups, reading the first few chapters. Each student received a book to take home. The chapter purchased seven books of various titles with main characters overcoming odds such as moving, adversity, and discrimination for each student. On the last day of March, the chapter donated 30 books to the ESL teacher’s classroom.

Students were all genuinely excited to read and were happy they could finally bring this excitement into their home to share with family members. From developing and participating in this event, members gained the tools and experience to check student comprehension by stopping and explaining ideas when students may not understand.

Epsilon Tau Chapter State University of New York at Genesco Pajamas and Paperbacks Fifty-three students dressed in pajamas enjoyed cookies, milk, and their favorite stories with Epsilon Tau members. Working outside the normal school day and interacting with students and their families, members served as role models to younger students while helping the students practice their literacy skills. After reading to Epsilon Tau members, every student happily left with a book of choice. Chapter members also departed happy, having gained experience working with students outside of school and witnessing first-hand their impact on younger students.

Epsilon Theta Chapter Morehead State University Literacy Alive! Rodburn Elementary sponsored this 3-hour action-packed, after-school literacy event for all of the elementary school students in Rowan County Kentucky. KDP members played 5 different literacy games including hangman, sight word bingo, Pictionary, Pictureka, and an alternative literacy HORSE basketball game. Members also created circle stories with students and served a pizza dinner. At the end of the night, all students received a certificate of completion and a goody bag filled with school supplies. By playing simple games, the students learned the importance of knowing the simple rules of spelling and how knowing how to read can really affect their lives.

Members learned that creating good lessons can sometimes be challenging and time consuming but that the payoff in student learning makes the hard work worth it. Members found this event to be a great learning experience they can take into the classroom, including the activities they used.

Eta Chapter Purdue University Reading through the Rainforest At the Reading Through the Rainforest Literacy Event students were invited to read or listen to a story, plant beans, make classroom terrariums, snack on animal crackers and a drink, choose an animal face to make including a monkey, toucan, tree frog, or butterfly and put together two 4-foot tall rainforest puzzles featuring different animals and plants. At the end of the event the books were donated to the school. From this experience students gained knowledge about the animals, plants, and water cycle in the rainforest and members learned that students can achieve no matter what their income is and they just need the opportunities and enrichment experiences.

Eta Phi Chapter University of Nebraska at Kearney Literacy Alive!, Kearney, NE After the school-wide reading of Charlotte's Web at Central Elementary, the Eta Phi Chapter hosted a huge celebration. The students completed themed-based activities at a music/movement station, a math station, a craft station, and a live pig station. At the conclusion, all students returned to their classrooms and received a free book. With the activities, the students connected the story to their lives and many, for the first time, interacted with baby pigs. Members, “little Wilburs,” and volunteers from other organizations had a blast while learning the value of service.

Eta Psi Chapter Rowan University Camp Read! Eta Phi members decorated a hallway and rooms at Rowan University with tents and trees to create an outdoors atmosphere for Camp Read. KDP members dressed as camp counselors and guided the K–5 students and their parents/guardians to each themed room. In the history room, participants “traveled” the Lewis and Clark Expedition and “discovered” constellations in the inflatable planetarium members created. Participants took breaks in the snack room and ended the day choosing a book to take home. Through creative and entertaining activities, students learned that reading is fun and can be related to any subject—including math, music, art, and physical education.

Members worked together to share resources, drawing from their education classes and individual research to create this fantastic event. Doing so allowed them to recognize their ability to develop creative learning opportunities for future students.

Eta Zeta Chapter Texas State University–San Marcos KDP Spring Children's Book Drive Eta Zeta members partnered with two second-grade classes in a Title I school near San Marcos to increase literacy and cultivate a love for reading. KDP members were matched with students in two different second grade classes. The members either purchased or donated a book based on the child's interests and spent time reading with each student. The students loved learning new information about topics of their choice. Members discovered some students need extra support to learn to become better readers and that teachers are the type of people who do what they can to improve the lives of others.

Gamma Chapter University of Oklahoma Books for Buddies To support and encourage literacy in their community, the members Gamma Chapter collected more than 200 books during a book drive the months of February and March. Partnering with a local inner-city school, members shared their favorite stories and led a story-related activity for students and their parents at the literacy event night. The students learned that a variety of books are important to reading and that even having stories read to them can help them in reading. Each student left the event with two books. Remaining books were donated to the school for use as prizes at a future Read-A-Thon Spring testing.

The members learned that that literacy is occasionally not supported in the homes of all students, and how essential it is for teachers to encourage such practices not only at the school, but at home.

Gamma Lambda Chapter Harris-Stowe State University Passing the Torch @ Imagine Academy of Cultural Arts The Gamma Lambda Chapter members  and the Distinguished Gentlemen at Imagine Preparatory College High School partnered together to visit each classroom to read developmentally appropriate books, asked and answered questions, and gave out certificates to the high school teachers and students. The KDP Chapter also donated new and gently used books, and provided lunch to all volunteers and staff. As part of the event, the members passed the torch to demonstrate the importance of becoming role models in your community and to encourage young scholars to read daily and increase their vocabulary.

Members learned that setting the foundation early in life will close the achievement gap that ponders urban communities and students will want to continue to pass the torch and volunteer to implement literacy in their communities.

Gamma Xi Chapter East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania Dr. Seuss The day was all about Dr. Seuss for Gamma Xi members and students. They started by painting a Dr. Seuss hat. As the hat dried, students listened to Dr. Seuss Pop-Up Stories and then “My Many Colored Days.” members talked with students about rhyming words and identified them in stories, after which, students wrote rhyming words on their hats, assembled and then wore them! Each student also left with a book.

Gamma Zeta Chapter The College of New Jersey Shoot for the Stars Local elementary school students reached for stars with the Gamma Zeta members. After listening to Faith Ringgold's Tar Beach, the students created their own quilt squares complete with future dreams. Students also decorated stars with their dreams and aspirations, and participated in reader's theater. At the end of the night, each student received a new book of their choice.

Iota Omega Chapter St. Ambrose University Bigs and Littles and Books Through the Bee a Big partnership with the St. Ambrose University chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Iota Omega Chapter, science came alive for the “Littles." Iota Omega members served as literary guides for the Littles as they explored the wealth of children and young adult books in the University Library. Littles’ excitement rose when they each ordered four brand new books of their choice, exceeded only by their excitement when the books were placed in their hands—for keeps. Iota Omega also sponsored a campus-wide book drive to set up a "Books for Keeps" library at a homeless shelter serving 47 families including 80 children.

Iota Omega members baked lots of goodies and designed and sold Teacher Education Program items to pay for the books. Along the way they learned how much joy the gift of a book brings to a child who has never before owned a new book. “We also learned, much to our surprise, the extent of poverty and homelessness within walking distance of our campus.”

Iota Sigma Chapter University of Rhode Island Hero Math Using life-sized cuts out of Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson, Dr. Seuss, Oprah, Lincoln, a firefighter and a police officer, Iota Sigma members inspired Highlander Charter School students by reading Of Thee I Sing; A Letter To My Daughters written by Barack Obama about famous, diverse Americans who changed the course of history. Followed by a lively game of Jeopardy the 200 inner city students answered a series of math and history questions. Iota Sigma members donated 10 home-school math/literacy bags to teachers, and several math and social studies trade books, learning center activities, a videotape and 200 study guides about Martin Luther King, Jr. to the school.

The students were motivated to promote peace in the world by following Martin Luther King, Jr.’s example. Iota Sigma members learned first-hand about working with a diverse population in an inner-city school.

Iota Tau Chapter Grambling State University Project CSI Literacy Bags How can large slide-lock plastic bags decorated with brightly colored stickers and containing 2-3 donated books reduce the word poverty of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students? Iota Tau members met with the students once a week after school at a developmental center to read aloud and play "Picture This," a vocabulary and comprehension strategy used to make assumptions and predictions about the story. They also identified words relative to the illustrations and talked about the story. At the end of the project, students took home their literacy bags. Students increased their vocabulary and strengthened comprehension skills, while members learned the responsibility of helping a child develop lifelong reading skills essential for academic success by capitalizing on the excitement of reading.

Iota Xi Chapter Kansas State University L.I.N.K.S (Literacy INtegrating Kids and Soldiers) Members of the Iota Xi Chapter visited Morris Hill Elementary School on the Fort Riley Military Base and worked with fourth graders to create an e-book to send to their deployed parent(s) to help connect deployed parents to their child’s school life. After listening to When I Grow Up by musician Al Yankovich, the students drew pictures and wrote stories depicting what they want to be when they grow up. Each child read a page from the book When I Grow Up and Iota Xi members recorded them and then compiled the recordings, scanned images of students’ drawings and writings, and transferred them to CDs for sending to the deployed family members.

Each fourth grader also received a copy of the CD to take home. Creating and conducting event gave members hands-on knowledge in integrating technology into the classroom and the importance of helping the child stay connected to a deployed parent. Iota XI members gained an appreciation for and understanding of military families and the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe.

Kappa Phi Chapter West Chester University Reading is Fun at Caln Elementary Reading is Fun Day at Caln Elementary was a great treat hosted by the Kappa Phi members. Before the event, members conducted a book drive on West Chester University's campus. As part of the Reading is Fun Day, the members read some of the books collected and the students enjoyed a fun-filled day of reading! Students learned how reading is all around them and how to ask questions to gain a better understanding of literature. Members learned the importance of reading to children because most of them do not have the opportunity to read every day.

Kappa Xi Chapter University of New Orleans Literacy Alive! Initiative Kappa Xi members and volunteers tutored students in reading and literacy at the University of New Orleans charter schools after completing training from the Literacy Coordinator at the charter schools. The time members spent working with the teachers and the students made a huge difference to both groups. The volunteers not yet members of the chapter learned about the mission of the chapter and the experience sparked their interest in joining.

Lambda Gamma Chapter The University of Memphis Read for the Record Lambda Gamma members and student teachers read A Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats to more than 750 students in several schools as a part of Read for The Record Day. After hearing the story, the students completed a writing assignment. Along with reading the book, members donated 45 books to teachers. Students gained valuable experience in writing skills needed for the state writing exam.

Lambda Psi Chapter University of Texas at Pan American Family Literacy Night "Too Many Tamales!" was the theme for the Family Literacy Night held at Alton Elementary School for 100 students in grades kindergarten through third grade. As parents and students signed in, they received a name tag and raffle ticket. Lambda Psi members conducted a guided reading activity on the book, "Too Many Tamales" pausing at particular places in the book to ask questions and ensure comprehension. After the read aloud, members engaged the students in a discussion where they connected their own lives to the story followed with the raffle where Parents received poinsettias and 20 lucky students won goodie bags. All participants feasted on tamales and pan de polvo.

In addition to a book, each student left with a beautiful work of art on his or her face, thanks to a professional face painter. Members met their goals of educating and motivating parents about the importance of reading, while emphasizing cultural relevancy in children's literature.

Lambda Sigma Chapter Valparaiso University Camp Grissom Along with the help of the Lambda Sigma members, second graders participated in camping activities using phonics, poetry, vocabulary, and sequencing. They also experienced setting up a camp site and singing camp songs. At the end of Camp Grissom each participant chose a book to take home. While students honed their literacy skills in a camping setting, members learned the value of service and the power of a book in the hands of a child.

Lambda Tau Chapter University of South Florida Celebrating Dr. Seuss Lambda Tau members created a booth as part of the university's Children's Festival titled, "Celebrating Dr. Seuss" Children where students created wearable Dr. Seuss hats and bow-ties and played a pin-the-green-egg-on-the-ham tray. Members also read to students. Book giveaways were included in the event. Students and their parents recognized that they could enjoy books together while having fun.

Lambda Theta Chapter Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville Wild Things—Where Books Come Alive Where were the wild things? Thanks to the Lambda Theta Chapter, students at Henry Raab Elementary School discovered all kinds of wild things at school, through the fun and literacy activities of “Wild Things—Where Books Come Alive.” After creating lesson plans and activities to enhance Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, and creating a T-shirt on the theme, Lambda Theta members visited classrooms in pairs reading Where the Wild Things Are and completing two themed literacy activities. Each teacher received a tote bag with a mug, a compilation of the lessons, supplies for each activity and one book for each student in the class.

Members realized the difference each person makes by simply taking a little time out of the day to teach the importance of literacy.

Mu Delta Chapter University of Missouri "Book it to the Finish" 5K Fun Run and Book Drive Mu Delta members hosted an amazing "Book it to the Finish" 5K Fun Run and Book Drive. After months of securing equipment, sponsorship, overseeing online registration efforts for both runner and volunteers, designing the race day T-shirt, promoting the event throughout campus and the greater Columbia community, routing a race map, and planning for specific race day needs, the "Book it to the Finish" 5K Fun Run and Book Drive welcomed just under 100 registered runners and 30 additional volunteers. Mu Delta members will be presenting the donated books and new book shelves to Moving Ahead, a program sponsored by the Columbia Housing Authority, serving after school students of all ages.

With many members participating in the planning and implementation, they established strong communication among themselves, community members, and other stakeholders to organize and host an event that hopefully will take place for many years to come.

Mu Gamma Chapter Angelo State University Reading is Out of this World at Tom Green County Library More than 70 students attended the "Reading is Out of this World," Literacy Alive! event at the Tom Green County Library. Members shared different types of literature with early readers in small groups. Eat student got to take home a free book. Members learned not only how to interact with students but also how to effectively communicate with all types of parents.

Mu Omega Chapter Alabama A & M University No Easy Target The Mu Omega members found a way to unique way to offer tutoring and safety lessons together for students and their parents. The event started with one hour of tutoring for students in P–12th grade. Members tutored, read books, assisted with math and science and even worked on comprehension skills. After the tutoring, everyone participated in "No Easy Targets," a physical activity designed to teach basic self-defense moves. Attendees also watched a video on internet safety. Finally, an officer of Huntsville Police Department gave Stranger Danger Lessons.

Mu Tau Chapter Anderson University Spring has Sprung! On a warm spring evening, Mu Tau members working in teams of two read spring-related books and worked together with students on enriching literacy activities that were fun and developmentally appropriate for the young elementary age range. Members quickly discovered that it takes time and patience to work with young elementary students in order to capture their attention and keep them hooked throughout the span of the lesson.

Nu Zeta Chapter Armstrong Atlantic State University Books a Plenty Memorial Health Nu Zeta members collected books to donate to the out-patient's clinic waiting room and patients rooms at Memorial Health University. The books were dispersed to Hematology/ Oncology waiting room, General Pediatrics waiting room, and the remainder to the other 20 patient rooms at the hospital. The children in the waiting room read the books to their parents instead of focusing on their fear of the upcoming doctor’s appointment. Pediatric in-patients chose a book to read while in the hospital and then to take home with them. Members now have a deeper understanding for the power of a book as a way to lessen anxiety for sick children.

Omega Chi Chapter Cedar Crest College Celebration of Reading Dream Big Omega Chi members partnered with Cops N Kids for a Celebration of Reading Event in an attempt to challenge students to dream big. There were guest speakers, a large banner for students to write on, and a collage activity based on dreaming. Each student left the event with a book.

Omega Epsilon Chapter Florida Gulf Coast University Literacy Buddies Omega Epsilon members established literacy buddies as they read to the students. To establish another literacy buddy, students in some classes then read to the teachers. Through these exercises, students experienced the joy of reading with others and discovered that reading to others can be fun and meaningful. Members effectively modeled good reading and the importance of reading partners.

Omega Iota Chapter University of Mount Union Raiders for SFA Team Alphie at Northside Elementary School is a tutoring program for struggling readers. Giving students their upmost attention, Omega Iota members stepped in and helped with reading and phonic skills. Because of the success of the partnership, Omega Iota members will continue the tutors next year. All students in the program showed improvement from the program. Members realized the positive impact they made with struggling readers with their continued commitment to helping them improve their reading and phonic skills.

Omega Mu Chapter Idaho State University Paperbacks and Funny Hats Dressed in funny hats, Omega Mu members read to three different groups of students at a local after-school program. Each student also enjoyed a snack, made a funny hat, played games and took home a book. The students really enjoyed themselves and members discovered that even low-economic children need to have fun while learning.

Omega Psi Chapter Huntington University Reading Challenge The Omega Psi members sent out a month-long reading competition and the students in a local school rose to the challenge. First graders read for a minimum of 15 minutes per day and second grade students read 20 pages each night for the duration of the competition. Students and parents logged the time and number of pages read. If the class had 100% participation and completion, Omega Psi members awarded the class with a selection of four sets of 6 titles for their classroom libraries. Both classes met the challenge. The friendly competition encouraged students to persevere and cooperate, as they reached a shared goal. Members witnessed that this project provided a simple means of motivating children to increase reading and include the family in reaching a common goal

Omega Theta Chapter Nova Southeastern University Miss Meagan's Storytime Omega Theta members engaged preschoolers in learning number concepts and the alphabetic principle through humorous silly stories and song. They read The Five Little Monkeys and Silly Sally, sang songs, and danced in academic bliss. Students enjoyed participating during the story time by engaging in the interactive activities of counting, subtracting, singing, laughing, and dancing while their parents also joined the fun. Many members volunteered time and effort in the overall presentation content and materials.

Omicron Lambda Chapter University of Central Florida At the Zoo with Literacy Alive! First graders at Eastbrook Elementary School used their five senses and prediction skills as the Omicron Lambda members read What Do I Do with a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins. After reading about an animal part, students guessed about the animal and how it might be used. Each student received two books to take home. This event was a great opportunity for Omicron Lambda members to interact with and help their community.

Omicron Pi Chapter The University of North Carolina, Charlotte Read In Students from Merry Oaks Elementary came to campus for a great Read In event. Omicron Pi members led students on a tour of campus followed by a discussion of college life. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority performed a lively step routine for the students. Following this, Omicron Pi members and students read and discussed Dream: a Tale of Wonder, Wisdom & Wishes. Members shared how education can help students achieve their dreams. Each student left with a book, pens, and pencils. Visiting campus was a memorable experience for students. Through this experience, members planted the seed that reading, learning, and education are keys to a student’s future.

Omicron Tau Chapter Washington State University Literacy Alive! Omicron Tau members held a read-in night at the Neill Public Library for students and parents. The evening was filled with literacy activities including bookmark making, a book walk, and plenty of fun and creative books for everyone read. With the read-in members wanted to boost student motivation to read as well as improve student reading abilities.

Omicron Zeta Chapter University of South Alabama Literacy Alive/ USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital Omicron Zeta members purchased 150 Scholastic books and donated them to the Class Act program at the USA Women's & Children's Hospital. Additionally, members read with some bed-ridden patients and with students in the Tree House, who each received a book to keep. Students loved the one-on-one time with members, and members were reminded to never take for granted what is given.

Phi Sigma Chapter University of Portland Reading around the World This year Phi Sigma members hosted their 17th annual Reading Fair with the theme “Reading around the World.” More than 300 students made bookmarks, built their own castle, with members read stories from other cultures, and participated in other fun literacy activities. Once students completed four activities, they chose a book to take home. Members promoted diversity education and opportunities for the students to discover new stories, modes of storytelling, and peoples, and ways of life much different than their own. Throughout the event, students were engaged and excited, and many repeat attendees from previous years!

Phi Zeta Chapter Gannon University Reading with My Son Project Four male Phi Zeta members developed trio relationships with a third or fourth grade student and the student's father, or other significant male, to motivate reading in young boys through strong male role models. The trios met at a local library or book store for a 90-minute session four times over the course of three months. The trios read together, discussed books and reading interests, and researched different genres and authors. At the end of the three months the trios, students' school principals and classroom teachers, and the project organizers were treated to a celebratory dinner. The trios received certificates for participating and the students received four books each that matched their reading and interest levels.

While students who were chosen due to their lack of motivation to read, by the end of the project increased their vocabulary, reading skills, and confidence in reading, they also bonded with their male role models. Many of the students followed the lead of their mentors to take time to read and chose books in the genres liked by their mentors. Members witnessed the power of being a reading model and especially the importance of working with parents as equals toward a common goal.

Pi Epsilon Chapter University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Native Americans in Wisconsin Twenty-five students, along with their families, came to the Native Americans in Wisconsin Literacy Event at the Children’s Museum in Downtown Stevens Point hosted by Pi Epsilon members. Students made dream catchers, Indian pouches, and bracelets. Each student took home a book of his or her choice, and eight lucky students received a donated book from a children’s author. Students increased their knowledge of Wisconsin’s native population. Members gained valuable experience in working with people of a diverse age range.

Pi Lambda Chapter University of St. Thomas–Houston Book Drive Pi Lambda members conducted a book drive and donated eight cases of books to a local elementary school that serves under-resourced students. With the books, the school will help teachers set up classroom libraries, a timely donation, because the school may lose its librarian position due to budget constraints. Because of this leadership experience, one member has chosen to be a chapter officer next year.

Pi Phi Chapter University of Hartford Pop-Up Books Pi Phi members provided a day of fun, ending with students at the Extended Day program, grades K–2 at the Hartford Magnet School creating their own pop-up books. The students started the day by listening to I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. After each page, the students guessed what happened next in the story. Following this story, students sat in small groups to listen to and discuss another story. Pi Phi members guided the students in making their own pop-up book. The students shared their pop-up books with the other students as well as Pi Phi members and learned how to actively engage with a story and create their own stories with a beginning, middle, and end.

Members now know that they may have to change how they present material in order to meet a particular group of students’ needs.

Psi Gamma Chapter North Carolina Central University Spectacular Night of Books For the Spectacular Night of Books at Spring Valley Elementary, the students came dressed in their favorite character from a baseball, Dr. Seuss, fantasy, or folktale story. Psi Gamma members stimulated the students’ creativity and imaginations through readings, discussions, and crafts. Students then prepared for their music performances for which they had anxiously awaited throughout the night, so parents and teachers could watch them perform. The members ended the evening with refreshments and book raffling for students. Students effectively tied literacy to a musical performance and members saw students relish the opportunity to perform for parents and teachers.

Psi Omega Chapter Thomas More College Literacy at Latonia Elementary Education majors and Psi Omega members shared books with the entire fifth grade at Latonia Elementary. With students, they discussed book summaries, the excitement of reading, and talked about the privilege of attending college. Each student received a book of their own. Students loved the opportunity to interact with members and ask them questions about college. Members faced the reality that not all home environments are conducive to supporting literacy and education beyond high school.

Psi Rho Chapter Flagler College Scribble Society For six consecutive Mondays, Psi Rho members worked with students on writing and creativity at RJ Murray Middle School. Students developed knowledge of new writing styles, organization strategies, and critical thinking skills. At the final party, members and students celebrated with pizza, snacks, and drinks and presented students with a magazine containing their works. Students gained a positive outlook on writing and became more comfortable with themselves and expressing their feelings. Students showed their feelings about connecting weekly with members through poetry, short stories and illustrations.

Rho Phi Chapter Troy University, Phenix City ESOL Family Literacy Workshop The Rho Phi members collaborated with the Plains Reading Council and the Auburn Public Library in an effort to increase participation in programming and events designed for English Language Learners and their parents. The Family Literacy Workshop is designed to effectively promote literacy within non-English speaking cultures and communities. Students and parents received resources to promote literacy outside the school setting. This workshop was a wonderful experience for many of the members who likely will teach in the community, and serve students from non-English speaking families.

Rho Tau Chapter Malone University L.A.T.E. Night too (2) How do you get inner city high school adults to a parent/teacher conference? Throw a big L.A.T.E. Night too (2) where families bring siblings and cousins along for the carnival-like atmosphere established in the school Commons. Rho Tau members manned literacy stations, read with Arthur and DW, and made "cootie catchers" and played the literacy games like Boggle™, Scrabble®, and Smart Mouth™. Members even acted out the book, A House for Hermit Crab with puppets. Parents attended the conferences while chapter members engaged the young children and even a few high school aged students got caught up in the literacy fun and games too!

Rho Upsilon Chapter Berry College Book Bag Program With funds raised through Scholastic book fair sales, Rho Upsilon found an inventive way to promote literacy at home for West Rome Elementary School students. Members purchased book bags and grade-level appropriate books. By checking out the book bags, the students strengthened their literacy skills and developed a deeper love of reading. At the end of the school year, the books and book bags will remain with the teacher for future use. Students not only honed their literacy skills, but also learned how to take care of materials as well. From organizing and running a successful book fair to researching and purchasing age-appropriate books, Rho Upsilon members appreciated how their efforts can impact a school in need.

Sigma Epsilon Chapter Northeastern Illinois University Literacy Alive! in Our Community The Sigma Epsilon members engaged in three activities to promote literacy. Members earned $200 from a bake sale and donated the funds to the university's Child Care Center for the purchase of books. Sigma Epsilon members also read to all five classes at the Child Care Center, as well as second grade students from Hayt Elementary School. Teachers and students were grateful for support from their community. Members realized that though their chapter is small, it only takes a few committed members to accomplish a great deal.

Sigma Omicron Chapter University of Indianapolis Poetry Jam and Middle School Survivor Guide Sigma Omicron members hosted two very different types of events for two very different audiences: third graders and seventh and eighth graders. For Poetry Jam, members introduced poetry with presentations, challenged students to create their own poems, provided feedback for revision and editing, and published their original poems in the Piles of Poetry Anthology. Students also performed their poems in the Poetry Coffee House. Students loved seeing their work published in a book. Members discovered they need to help students project their voices.

The Junior Giant Kings produced a book of advice for future students, filled with tips and ideas to survive middle school. Members brainstormed with 7th and 8th grade students to come up with possible topics and prepare for the project. They returned for a Saturday session to facilitate the writing and editing. Some students wrote letters in Spanish and English and others drew illustrations for the book. Sigma Omicron members copied, laminated, and bound a classroom set of these books to leave at the Lynhurst 7th & 8th Grade Center for future students. The survivor guide inspired students and members alike as a great way to make writing fun!

Sigma Tau Chapter Mount Saint Mary College Jungle Adventure Students visited numerous tables for different arts and crafts during the Sigma Tau Jungle Adventure Literacy Event. Along with the jungle-themed activities, students found they could have fun without sitting in front of a video game or TV. Members realized they can work together to help promote a positive literacy program for students.

Tau Alpha Chapter Grove City College Awarding Awesome Authors Contest & Ceremony For thirteen years, Tau Alpha members have sponsored the fall and spring Awarding Awesome Authors Contest. This event recognizes kindergarten through eighth grade students who demonstrate exceptional writing capabilities. A panel of Tau Alpha members judged 1,622 short stories and poems and a total of 203 student submissions were selected as winners. The Tau Alpha Chapter held two awards ceremonies at the college to honor these students: one ceremony in the fall and the other in the spring. Over 300 guests attended, including students, families, teachers, and administrators, each winner received a certificate, book of the winning stories, pencil, bookmark, and book. Following the ceremony, students divided into small reading circles to share their stories.

Through this event, students are encouraged to continue pursuing creative ways to express themselves through language arts. Watching student authors read aloud their original stories in a small-group setting, inspired members to foster creativity in their current and future classes and encourage many more collaborative sharing experiences for students.

Tau Nu Chapter Elmhurst College Saturday for Dr. Seuss Songs, tandem readings, flannel board stories and puppets to go along with readings of Green Eggs and Ham, The Foot Book and Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You? created lots of literacy fun for a great Dr. Seuss Saturday thrown by the Tau Nu members! Before students created their own Cat in the Hat, each with a different interpretation of Dr. Seuss’ face, they sang “Happy Birthday” to Dr. Seuss. Students left with Dr. Seuss-themed goodies. Members determined that varying the ways in which literacy is presented engages many types of learners and makes for a more exciting and influential learning experience.

Tau Xi Chapter Methodist University Read to Your Bunny Using bunny finger plays, reading bunny stories, and retelling the The Mitten story as a flannel graph story, the Tau Xi members shared their love of reading with little ones. Students demonstrated enthusiasm for additional reading and powerful storytelling. Members conducted book experiences that were exciting and motivating for the students.

Upsilon Sigma Chapter Waynesburg University Books, Bears, and Blankets Upsilon Sigma members paired a children's book with a blanket and stuffed animal as part of their Books, Bears and Blankets Literacy Alive! project for temporary residents of the Washington Women's Shelter. Twenty-five students, ranging in age from infants to teenagers, received a book, bear, and blanket bundle. Because the members collected so many supplies, they also sent extra books and blankets to a school in Belize. Two Upsilon Sigma members, who traveled to Belize on a mission trip over spring break, delivered the items. It was a wonderful gift for students with limited access to books as members creatively worked to match books with other items for children in their community and in a country far away.

Xi Psi Chapter Fitchburg State University Literacy in and Beyond the Classroom Xi Psi members presented 5 completely different events as part of their Literacy in and Beyond the Classroom, giving away more than 2,000 books. In the first, Read for the Record, more than 32 middle school students collaborated with Xi Psi members and read The Snowy Day with PK–4 students at McKay Campus School and participated in follow up activities. Every elementary student and the middle school readers received a new copy of book. For the second event, every student athlete that attended the Special Olympics North Central School Day Games left with a book. Gift baskets consisting of grade level materials were raffled off to the attending teachers. Members also prepared and distributed 25 book bags for new babies.

On-going throughout the year, Xi Psi members provided Literacy Nights at McKay Campus School so parents could attend PTO meetings. Members read season-themed books and students participated in interactive activities prior to, during, and after the readings to assist in developing comprehension skills. The Xi Psi members sponsored a workshop featuring Peter M. Reynolds, author of The Dot as the final literacy event with 30 members participating. With all of the events, members learned that it is not just placing a book in a student’s hand that creates the learning, but rather excitement about the literature and the interactions that create the desire to learn to read, which generates a lifelong love of reading.

Zeta Iota Chapter East Tennessee State University Adopt-A-Classroom Adopt-A-Classroom provided age-appropriate books and student supplies for the second half of the school year, a time when supplies have been depleted and students or teachers may be doing without. Mountain View Elementary, Northside Elementary, Range Elementary, and Coalition for Kids received the goodies, which displayed “Donated by the Zeta Iota Chapter” labels. The members fulfilled a community need knowing that they placed either books or school supplies in the hands of a young child who might not otherwise have these educational items.

2010 Projects

	Alpha Alpha Tau Chapter Marian University P.A.L.S. – Pacers Academy Literary Society At the request of the Pacers Academy English teacher, the chapter purchased multiple copies of Tears of a Tiger and Forged by Fire. The books deal with issues often faced by teenagers. Pairs of Marian students attended the Friday morning class for nine weeks to observe the literature circles and interact with the high school students. Because the pacing of the class was totally individualized, each pair of Marian students experienced something different each week. One member reflected: “Forged by Fire helped me see what some real high school students have to go through. It reminded me that getting books that relate to the students can make a big difference in their participation and performance."
	Alpha Beta Omega Chapter University of Arkansas Fort Smith Around the World in a Magic Pumpkin The Cinderella story came alive thanks to the efforts of the Alpha Beta Omega Chapter and the Western Arkansas Ballet Company. Children were exposed to Cinderella stories from four very different cultures: Irish, Native American, Western American, and Japanese Cultures.  The members also shared a book that incorporated all different cultures’ stories into one.  The children heard every story and were able to compare and contrast the stories and enjoy a few pieces of the Cinderella Ballet. The students observed and articulated the similarities and differences in all the stories both heard and seen.
	Alpha Epsilon Chapter Western Illinois University Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry "While Food Nourishes the Body, Reading Nourishes the Soul.” A few days before Easter, the members of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter members took new children's books to the local food pantry. This is a time when the need for food is greatest. The families were thrilled to be able to choose a book for their children along with picking up food for their families. The Director of the Food Pantry was so impressed with the positive responses to the book giveaway that he plans to install bookshelves in the hallway where families enter to pick up their food. The chapter members were very humbled by the fact that parents were willing to give up some of their food items in order to obtain books for their children and that they recognized the importance of books for their children's future success in life.
	Alpha Epsilon Omicron Chapter Campbellsville University Reading with the Cards During the spring semester, the Alpha Epsilon Omicron members worked with students at the after-school program located at Taylor County Middle School. During reading groups, students read and discussed “The 10 Most Wondrous Sites.” Students selected one of the 10 sites to research further and develop a PowerPoint® presentation for their parents, peers, and teachers. Because of the three to one ratio, the members were able to provide opportunities for deep discussions about the topic. Even though many of these students scored low in their assessed reading abilities, they eagerly participated in the group reading experiences.
	Alpha Iota Chapter University of North Texas Passport to Literacy The Alpha Iota Chapter treated the students at Peter Colony Elementary school to an amazing literacy menu, with seven courses of content: Writing, Reading, Math, Art, Science, Social Studies, and Music. The content areas were set up as booths, with each booth featuring a book and accompanying activities. Students actively absorbed the information through painting with bubble paint, making college pennants, and even playing musical chairs! The participants left with lots of completed activities and books. Many of the attendees did not speak English as their first language, so this experience allowed them to experience a wide variety of subjects and activities along with reading.
	Beta Upsilon Chapter Washington University Fun in the Sun: Super Summer Readers To jump-start a great reading-filled summer, the Beta Upsilon Chapter provided an afternoon of team word games and an opportunity for all participants to write a personal thank you to their teachers. The children then picked out books for their teachers’ libraries. The teachers also received baskets of books from the chapter. Each participant left with a book to begin their summer reading. The chapter members learned there are many ways to actively engage students without making it seem like work. Something as simple as a Mad Lib word game allowed students to be excited about participating while also using their knowledge of language to review parts of speech.
	Epsilon Kappa Chapter Michigan State University READy to Help our Environment! For four days, members of the Epsilon Kappa Chapter and sixth-graders at Gardner Middle School become agents of change for the environment. After the students learned about environmental problems, they wrote and illustrated their own stories about a problem they saw and ways they could fix it. The chapter members had the students’ stories bound and, on the last day, each student shared his or her story. After the readings, each student received a book about the environment, a notebook, pens, pencils, and the book he or she created. Evidence of learning was noticed immediately: the students made the teacher turn off the light in her office since she wasn’t using it!
	Eta Theta Chapter CUNY: Brooklyn College The Worlds of Literacy Eta Theta is committed to promoting literacy at home and around the world through its multiple literacy events that took place in five local establishments and at two international sites. Through books and an art project at one local event with the Sesame Flyers, chapter members were able to take the readers to a place very different from their home, whether it was another city, state, country, or universe. This experience reinforced how important books are in the lives of everyone, particularly for people who don’t have much exposure to various opportunities and cultural activities.
	Iota Sigma Chapter University of Rhode Island Thank You, Planet Earth! A spaghetti dinner, creative stories about thanking planet earth, outdoor clean-up, planting opportunities, and lots of hands-on activities, were just part of the Iota Sigma Planet Earth Literacy Extravaganza. Chapter members delivered an important and lasting message about ecology while students simultaneously learned ways they can make a difference. All participants learned the importance of protecting and caring for the earth every day—not just on Earth Day. Chapter members learned they can help children recognize that their attitudes and the actions they take now on behalf of the earth can make a tremendous difference, now and for future generations.

Lambda Eta Chapter Clarion University It’s Time for Spring: A Butterfly’s Life Using readers’ theatre and a guest biologist, The Lambda Eta chapter partnered with the Clarion Free Library and the Clarion University Biology Department to inform and entertain children and their parents. From the caterpillar to chrysalis stage and finally a beautiful butterfly, the metamorphosis was depicted through literature, actual videos and hands-on activities, for multi-sensory learning opportunities for the students.

Rho Eta Chapter Salisbury University Literacy Alive in the Deep Blue Sea! The Rho Eta Chapter transformed the Wicomico County Library into an Under Sea World much to the pleasure of the children and their parents, using a variety of ocean-themed stories and arts-integrated writing activities such as poems and sand writing. Themes were represented at stations where activities varied based on the ages of participants. The children all were so excited that they got to take home their own book, along with all of their art creations. This event took place the weekend following initiation, so our new members learned that KDP is about helping the children in our community and our graduating members learned that all of their hard work over the past year accumulated to rewarding benefits to the children in our area.

Xi Psi Chapter Fitchburg State College Bringing Literacy into the Homes of Children Literacy is an on-going year-long event for the Xi Psi Chapter. One annual event is Baby Book Bags, where new books and information about developing emergency literacy skills are given to parents of at-risk newborn babies. Accompanying this favorite project are several book drives throughout the year, with books given both locally and internationally. This year the chapter added two new events: Monthly Literacy-Themed Nights at the McKay Campus School, hosted during the PTO meetings, and a Special Olympics Read. More than 500 books were distributed to all of the participating Special Olympics’ athletes and their siblings, who from 20 different communities. In addition to the books for athletes, two teachers were selected in a raffle to receive 100 books to support literacy within their classrooms.

2009 Projects

Alpha Alpha Psi Camden County College Storybook Land Thirty-five 3rd-5th graders from Winslow School #5 participated in a whirlwind of reading in various venues: Jungle Travel; Wild, Wild West; Space Travel; Renaissance Fantasy; Dino Days; and Underwater Adventure. Each room included reading, crafts, and snacks, with all students gathering at the end of the event for the evening news and group story time. Each student left with crafts each had made, a tummy filled with snacks, and a new book. It was an out-of-their-usual-world adventure.

Alpha Alpha Tau Marian College Connecting Literature and Science Skills: A Class Act! Alpha Alpha Tau chapter members made great connections with students in three elementary schools. On multiple visits to 5th-grade classrooms, they read books and integrated hands-on science experiments. The chapter also offered Family Science and Literacy Nights at four schools, and involved all members of the families attending—from preschool through adult. These groups of students now have a better understanding of the scientific method, the metric system and rocks and minerals!

Alpha Beta Gamma St. John’s University–Staten Island The First Thirty At-risk students from Port Richmond High School came to St. John’s University and worked in small groups with the Alpha Beta Gamma members. Each group read a chapter in the book, The First Thirty, by Jillip Naysinthe Paxine, and conducted a presentation for the entire group. This inspirational story highlights one man’s journey through his first 30 years. Each student received a copy of the book at the completion of the sessions.

Alpha Beta Omega University of Arkansas at Fort Smith BABE, You’re Special! With the assistance of both Northside and Southside High Schools’ Teachers of Tomorrow, KDP members shed some light on the important topic of character education. Before viewing the film Babe, the Alpha Beta Omega chapter members talked about the basis of good character. During intermission, the KDP members and high school students discussed the movie with the Pike Elementary students. After the movie, the elementary students de-briefed about the movie. The school received five copies of the Babe book to use in future literature circles.

Alpha Beta Tau Bethany College Rocking Read-Alouds! It was a rocking good time April 21st for preschoolers visiting the Grace Ryland and William Henry Robinson Children’s Library. The Rocking Read-Aloud event increased awareness for children with special needs through reading and hands-on activities. As a result of the great reception, the chapter is working to create and provide an after-school opportunity staffed by KDP members.

Alpha Delta Zeta Miami Dade College Alpha Delta Zeta members dressed up as their favorite storybook characters and read to children at the Miami Dade North Preschool Lab. The chapter also donated more than 300 books to the preschool. The Read-a-thon highlighted the importance of literacy for all age groups by bringing together the School of Education’s youngest and oldest students, benefiting both groups.

Epsilon Kappa Michigan State University Growing through Giving In a four-day program, members of Epsilon Kappa worked with 6th graders from Lansing’s Gardner Middle School to increase their awareness about the plight of refugees. Through a panel presentation, a simulation exercise, short stories, class discussions, writing activities, and a service project that included assembling backpacks and making cards for graduating seniors, the 6th-graders came to understand the trials and tribulations of refugees.

Epsilon Tau SUNY-Geneseo Paperbacks and Pajamas Paperbacks and Pajamas is a program that invites elementary school children and their families to read with KDP volunteers. Forty elementary students were grouped with 28 KDP members for an evening of reading at the Geneseo Central Media Center. Students chose a book, and chapter members read with the students for an hour. Twenty parents also participated in the literacy event, which they loved. Many of them expressed gratefulness to the members for the time they shared with the children. Additionally the chapter supplied milk, juice and cookies, along with the books.

Eta Theta CUNY-Brooklyn College Literacy Connects Cultures Throughout the year, the Eta Theta KDP members came up with creative ways to share their love of reading. On Halloween, they gave away 45 books to trick-or-treaters. The chapter donated 11 Spanish books to a bilingual middle school classroom, and an additional 180 books were distributed at two read-aloud events. Chapter members say that their favorite feedback is watching the children’s faces as they listen to a story, discuss the text, and then watch them delve into their new books.

Lambda Gamma University of Memphis A Study of Anne Frank This middle school project integrated ongoing Freedom Writers lesson plans, literacy, history, and journaling. Using literature circles, the students engaged in an intensive study of the story of Anne Frank, and through reader reflection activities, dialogued about hate and its many forms. The students created journals, podcasts, and essays on the subject.

Lambda Zeta West Virginia State University The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs Students at two professional development schools associated with West Virginia State University now know the rest of the story of the three little pigs. Working with five kindergarten classes at one school, the Lambda Zeta members read the story, The Real Story of the Three Little Pigs, by John Scieszka. They retold the story using the finger puppets they made and donated books to each class they visited. All the classroom students received a treat bag with a pencil, eraser, and pencil sharpener.

Mu Gamma San Angelo State University Wild About Reading Forty-five students from both public and private schools in San Angelo went wild with reading at the Tom Green Public Library, when the Mu Gamma KDP members set up 10-minute reading rotations. At the end of Wild about Reading, the children went home with a free book. This was the largest literacy event for the chapter in the past six years.

Pi Lambda University of St. Thomas–Houston Hurricane Ike Book Drive In collaboration with the university’s Council of Clubs and Student Activities Board, the members of the Pi Lambda chapter collected 1,700 books for Our Lady of Fatima. This PreK–3 school in Texas City opened its arms to embrace the students from Galveston Catholic and Trinity Episcopal School, though its own building was devastated terribly by Hurricane Ike.  Ike blew out the windows of the library, as well as several classroom windows, resulting in internal damage. Through its donation of books, Pi Lambda gave the gift of knowledge.

Sigma Tau Mount Saint Mary College Be A Reader Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow For one day, Mount Saint Mary College partnered with local schools and Big Brothers/Big Sisters for a free reading day of fun. Along with story hour, the students played reading games, participated in activities using the SMART Board™ and computers, had their faces painted, and shared poetry. Every child left with a book and wonderful reading memories.

Tau Alpha Grove City College Awarding Awesome Authors At this year’s Awarding Awesome Authors, Kindergarten through third-grade students from 15 school districts demonstrated their writing expertise through poetry and short stories. Tau Alpha members judged all of the submissions, which gave them the opportunity to become familiar with elementary writing at each grade level and obtain grading experience. The event also gave students the opportunity to strive for writing excellence outside the classroom and for a personal reward. Each winner received a book of the winning stories, a certificate, a piece of literature, a pencil, and a bookmark. The overall winner received an additional book, with an additional book donated in the winner’s honor to the school library. At the ceremony, authors received their awards, then split into reading groups and share their stories.

Xi Psi Fitchburg State College Bringing Literacy into the Homes of Children This four-part event brought the joy and excitement of books to various age groups in very creative ways. In the first event, Xi Psi members gave books to newborn babies and their at-risk parents. For the mitten tree giveaway, the chapter also donated The Mitten by Jan Brett. Gently used and new books were given to local school children in need. The final event for Bringing Literacy into the Homes of Children provided copies of Corduroy, by Don Freeman, to each student in a local elementary school, thanks to a partnership with Pearson Publishing. During the event, KDP members facilitated an activity with students that encouraged text-to self connections.

Zeta Tau Stetson University Hats Off to Reading! Zeta Tau KDP members wore many different hats for the chapter’s Literacy Alive! event. Together with the first and second graders at George Marks Elementary School, the members made paper hats and read stories about hats. Parents received hats booklets with tips to help their children become better readers, and a local bookstore donated books to all of the families.

Zeta Zeta SUNY-New Paltz Reading Rocks Day! This multi-centered event both promoted and celebrated family literacy at Kerhonkson Elementary School. Zeta Zeta members set up various centers where children and parents could listen to or read a book, participate in a shared reader’s theater, take part in a book exchange, hear storytellers, and create origami art. To further demonstrate how much reading rocks, members made sure that each child left the event with a new book, a customized drawstring bag filled with a Reading Rocks Day bookmark, pencils, and erasers. Rock on.