View Royal School Sparks Joy with Great Big Buddy Read Event

URGENT UPDATE: View Royal Elementary School has transformed into a cozy reading haven today, January 29, 2023, as all 256 students participate in the Great Big Buddy Read during Family Literacy Week. This exciting event pairs older students with younger “buddies” for a shared reading experience, igniting a passion for literacy across the school community.

The entire school joined forces with more than a dozen schools in Greater Victoria, Sooke, and Saanich, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with blankets, books, and enthusiasm. Students eagerly traded their desks for a day of immersive reading, all while donning their cozy pyjamas.

Teacher librarian Sherri O’Sullivan noted that the excitement was palpable from the moment students arrived. “It’s nice to see that innocent excitement come back for any book that we have in the school,” O’Sullivan stated. The buddy system is a pivotal part of the day, guiding younger students to witness the enthusiasm of their older peers. “It’s great for the younger students to see the passion and excitement still with the older students,” she added.

Vice-principal and Grade 1 teacher Amanda Johnson emphasized that the event extends beyond reading; it fosters meaningful connections among students. “It’s about kids communicating, connecting with the books and the knowledge, and with each other, which strengthens that literacy connection,” Johnson explained.

Mid-afternoon, classrooms buzzed with laughter and storytelling as students in pyjamas shared their favorite tales. Johnson remarked, “We’re making reading feel fun. They’re not getting feedback from a screen. They’re creating pictures in their own minds and enjoying a good book together.”

The event, organized by Story Studio, Victoria Literacy Outreach, and Saanich Peninsula Literacy, showcases the power of literacy in nurturing community connections and fostering a love for reading among students.

With Family Literacy Week underway, the Great Big Buddy Read serves as a reminder of the joy and importance of reading, especially for children. As students engage deeply with their stories, the impact of these shared moments is evident, inspiring a new generation of passionate readers.

Stay tuned for further updates on this uplifting initiative and its lasting effects on the students of View Royal Elementary School.