Bringing the Joy of Reading to Life: I Love to Read Month at CPS

February is an exciting time across our district as we celebrate I Love to Read Month, a special initiative dedicated to fostering a love of reading in our students. While schools across the district engage in unique literacy activities, this year we are highlighting the incredible efforts at Cambridge Primary School, where the theme READING ROCKS! brings books to life in fun and engaging ways. By partnering with Media Specialist Mrs. Larson and implementing a variety of interactive, school-wide events, Cambridge Primary is inspiring a lifelong passion for reading in every student.

Bringing the Joy of Reading to Life

We believe that reading is not just a skill but a gateway to imagination, creativity, and knowledge. At Cambridge Primary, the month kicks off

with an I LOVE TO READ Assembly, where students gather in the gymnasium to celebrate reading together. This engaging event sets the stage for an exciting month filled with activities that reinforce the importance of literacy.

The school also incorporates Schoolwide Dress-Up Days to make reading fun and interactive. Whether dressing as a book character, wearing clothes with words, or rocking out in themed outfits, these days help students make personal connections to stories and authors they love.

Creating a Culture of Daily Reading

To encourage daily reading habits, Cambridge Primary implements D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Fridays. Every Friday at 7:45 AM, the entire school takes time to pause and immerse themselves in a book. Special moments like Flashlight Reading Day on February 28 add a magical touch to the reading experience, making it even more exciting for students.

Additionally, each classroom receives an I Love to Read Activity Calendar to send home. These calendars encourage families to participate in reading together, reinforcing the idea that literacy is a lifelong adventure.

Building a Reading-Positive Environment

A key aspect of the celebration at Cambridge Primary is transforming physical spaces into reading-inspired environments. Through the Reading Rocks Room, Door, or Hall Decorating Contest, students and teachers work together to create vibrant displays that celebrate books and storytelling. This hands-on project allows students to express their love for reading in a creative way while also fostering teamwork and school spirit.

The school also hosts an I Love to Read Island, where the Multi-Purpose Room is turned into a tropical-themed reading adventure. Students explore different reading stations with the help of dedicated parent volunteers, making reading feel like an exciting journey.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset in Reading

Setting goals and tracking progress helps students see the impact of their reading efforts. At Cambridge Primary, each classroom is invited to set a book reading goal, using the Reading Rocks Classroom Tally Poster to track the number of books read. At the end of the month, all class totals are combined, and the entire school celebrates their collective achievement with a ROCKIN’ SURPRISE from Mr. Schiller and special guests. By highlighting student efforts and recognizing their progress, the school instills a sense of pride and motivation in every reader.

The Lasting Impact of I Love to Read Month

I Love to Read Month is more than just an annual event—it’s a foundation for building strong, engaged readers across the district. Through immersive experiences, creative expression, and community involvement, we show our students that reading is not only valuable but also fun and rewarding. By celebrating literacy in such dynamic ways, we hope to cultivate a lifelong love of reading in every child.