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O p e r a t i o n R e a d brings stories to life across Kosciusko County Text and Photos By DEEANNA MURASKI Executive Director, CEO Operation Read In classrooms across Kosciusko County this March, something special happened. Robots came to life. Otters squeaked. And hundreds of young readers powered up their imaginations. As part of National Reading Month, Operation Read brought its annual Operation Read Around Kosciusko County program to local elementary classrooms - creating an interactive literacy experience that went far beyond simply reading a book. “Who likes robots? Who likes animals? Who likes adventure stories?” volunteers asked eager students. “Well, today’s story has all three!” With that, students were introduced to The Wild Robot by Peter Brown - a story that blends nature, technology and survival into one unforgettable adventure. This year, Operation Read introduced a more flexible approach, allowing each school to choose the date and time that worked best for their schedule. Schools could also decide whether to host a group reading for all second-grade classes or opt for individual classroom visits. The shift created a more seamless experience for teachers and students alike - meeting schools where they are and ensuring the program could be enjoyed in a way that best fit each learning environment. This was not your typical readaloud. Students were invited to think, move and imagine along the way: • “Why do you think it is called the Wild Robot?” • “Can you squeak like an otter?” • “Let’s activate like a robot - arms, legs, head … now power down!” The goal? To show that reading is not just about words on a page it is an experience. Volunteers also encouraged students to picture the story in their minds: “Is this what you imagined Roz would look like?” Moments like these helped reinforce an important message: reading powers up the brain and fuels imagination. Each classroom reading ended at a moment of suspense, as the robot realizes it must climb the sea cliffs to survive - leaving students on a true “cliffhanger.” The intentional pause allowed teachers to continue the story in
LEARNING ABOUT ROBOTS — During this year’s Operation Read Around Kocsiusko County, elementary students were introduced to robots, animals and adventure stories. Shown are students from Lakeland Christian - Lower Academy
with DeeAnna Muraski, executive director and CEO of Operation Read. The students are showing off some of the goodies they received including books, their own robot, stickers and a tote bag to carry it all in.
READING IS FUN — Students at Sacred Heart Elementary School show off the books, stickers and their own robot that they received as part of Operation Read Across Kosciusko County. This year
the book was “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown. The story blends nature, technology and survival into an unforgettable adventure.
the classroom, using the book’s short chapters as engaging reading rewards and discussion opportunities. And the story did not stop there. Each participating classroom received not one, but three books to continue the journey: The Wild Robot; The Wild Robot Escapes; and All the Books by Hayley Rocco and Caldecott Honoree John Rocco Students also received a few fun surprises to celebrate the experience: • Popcorn, generously provid-
ed by Beta Zeta Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority, led by Marcia Randolph, • Stuffed robot companions, made possible through individual donors from Tri Kappa Associate Chapter, led by Ann Kline. The children loved getting to name their robot! • Bookmarks handmade by Rural Neighbors Extension Homemakers, • Operation Read Around Kosciusko County stickers to take home and encourage continued reading
The program was made possible through a Rotary District Grant, with matching funds from the Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, highlighting the power of community partnerships in supporting early literacy. While the activities brought laughter and energy into the classroom, the impact runs deeper. Programs like Operation Read Around Kosciusko County are designed to build early literacy skills; encourage curiosity and critical thinking; and help children see reading as something
fun, interactive, and meaningful. And perhaps most importantly, they remind children that stories are not just something you read … they are something you experience. For Operation Read, the mission is simple but powerful: put books into the hands of children — and watch what happens next. To learn more about Operation Read, volunteer, or support local literacy efforts, visit www.operationreadusa.org or contact DeeAnna Muraski at deeanna@operationreadusa.org