Flashlights shine light on fun of reading

The lights went out and the thinking caps turned on at Cleveland Elementary as Nancy Divinitz’s 4th graders used flashlights for a fun twist on reading.

With the school year winding down, Divinitz wanted to make sure reading was engaging, so she closed the shades and brought out flashlights. Students took turns reading from the novel “Holes” by Louis Sachar. They discussed the characters and setting, made predictions, and visualized the story as it was unfolding.

Students loved the twist on reading time. Divinitz said her class called it exciting, “like the power went and we got to do something cool!” She is encouraging her class to keep the fun going over the summer and share the unique ways they engage in learning away from school. “We talked about ways we can make reading more interesting or add a fun vibe by creating a different environment,” she said. “They can build a fort, pull out a flashlight, and do some cool reading with friends this summer at home!”