"Reading is the most important academic subject I teach my students," says Rosemary McKnight, who teaches second grade at East Chester Elementary School in Henderson. That is why for one week each year during National Children's Book Week, Mrs. McKnight leads her students in "Readfest." During "Readfest," students read their favorite books, members of the community attend as guest readers, student-designated awards are given to favorite books and students and teachers dress up as favorite storybook characters. Mrs. McKnight has also introduced her students to ideas about social institutions and citizenship by creating a miniature classroom community that mirrors many of the features of the rural community in which they live. Providing an opportunity for town officials and local historians to visit the class, the program reinforces communal pride and identity as well as introduces members of the community to the students and the school.
1976 Freed-Hardeman University, B.A.
