Carver High School FBLA in Georgia partnered with the Columbus Library and The Literacy Alliance to participate in The Big Read. The members started by attending a showing of the movie, To Kill a Mockingbird, on Friday, Oct. 5, at 6:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Columbus Library. Special guest Mary Badham (Scout) was present to sign autographs and take questions from the audience.

The second phase was an oral reading of Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird, Sunday, Oct. 7, on center stage at Peachtree Mall. Members took turns reading all afternoon to mall patrons. Each member was given a copy of the book in advance. They were asked to read over the material and mark any words they could not pronounce. Next, we met and cleared up all questions concerning pronunciation. The members worked very hard to prepare themselves for the public reading. According to them, they were very nervous at first, but once they began reading all the nerves just disappeared. They all read really well, and we were pleased with the number of patrons that actually sat down and listened.

The third phase began Oct. 21 as 24 members are reading to Brewer Elementary pre-kindergarten students every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for one class period. The project began with the pre-kindergarten students selecting their high school friend (member) to read to them. This friendship has developed into a very special time for all parties. The FBLA member reads a short book and asks the pre-kindergarten students questions about what they just read. There are also some worksheet activities they complete with them. On alternating days back at Carver, the members create activities and they are developing a storybook for their “very special friend.” On the final day, there will be a Big Read Celebration with refreshments at which time each Brewer student will receive a new book and the storybook created by their member. We believe that knowing how to read and comprehending what you have read is vital for success in life. We are hoping that these pre-kindergarten students will develop a “love” for reading and continue to read for enjoyment throughout their lives.

Lastly, we will begin reading to all pre-kindergarten students from the city from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Peachtree Mall while they wait their turn to see Santa. This is coordinated through The Literacy Alliance. The start date is Dec. 5 and will continue through Dec. 19.