DISD Book Character Day nurtures Love for Reading

According to Denison ISD’s elementary school principals, there’s no need to ask what’s going on when you visit their campuses during one of the year’s most anticipated events.

“The happy faces and elaborate costumes quickly tell the real story…it’s Book Character Day!” said Houston Principal Kyle Uber. “Everyone comes dressed up as their favorite book character, even our teachers and staff, and we spend the day reading good books, discussing plots, growing vocabularies, studying character development and symbolism, and learning to think critically about what we read. We’re nurturing a lifelong love for reading that is critical to success in every area of life.”

Across town at Hyde Park, third graders dressed in Harry Potter, Pokemon, Cinderella and other book character costumes gathered in their classrooms to read, relax and share favorite books with each other. On other campuses across the district, the scene looked much the same.

“One student chose “Diary of a Whimpy Kid” as his favorite book…and his costume was just so unique and awesome,” said Hyde Park Principal Kerry Kaai. “Our kids always display so much creativity and imagination on Book Character Day, and this year’s event was one of our best ever. Reading is key to long-term success in school and throughout life, and Book Character Day certainly helps facilitate that success.”

Natalie Hicks, principal at Mayes Elementary, said her school hosts numerous reading events and activities throughout the year, including their annual Book Fair which coincided with the holiday shopping season and this year’s Mayes Family Luncheon. “It’s all about creating interest, tweaking curiosity, sparking imaginations and getting our families involved and reading together. These kids are excited about reading, and that’s what we want to see.”

Kaai agreed wholeheartedly. “It’s always good when you can see the interest and excitement in our kids’ eyes…see those mental wheels turning. Our goal is to make sure that every single child becomes a life-long successful learner. Reading is the foundation for all the success that follows.”

Houston students picked out their favorite books before coming to school on Book Character Day dressed as their favorite characters. “We spend the day reading good books, discussing plots, growing vocabularies, studying character development…and learning to think critically about what we read,” said Principal Kyle Uber. “We’re nurturing a lifelong love for reading that is critical to success in every area of life.”

Hyde Park third graders in Amber Allen’s class created unique costumes to depict their favorite books during this year’s extremely successful Book Character Day. “One student chose “Diary of a Whimpy Kid” as his favorite book…and his costume was just so unique and awesome,” said Principal Kerry Kaai. “Reading is key to long-term success in school and throughout life, and Book Character Day certainly helps facilitate that success.”

Mayes Elementary’s annual Book Fair is one of many reading-related events and activities that foster a love for reading among the school’s young learners. “It’s all about creating interest, tweaking curiosity, sparking imaginations and getting our families involved and reading together,” said Principal Natalie Hicks.

Hundreds of elementary teachers on DISD campuses, including Houston teacher Kim Marr, joined students and fellow staff members to celebrate Book Character Day by dressing up as their favorite book characters and reading good books together.

Terrell’s annual Book Fair along with other interactive reading activities generate excitement and a love for reading among Terrell students.