Smith Elementary’s Masked Reader event sparks excitement, promotes reading

Smith Elementary recently hosted its second annual Masked Reader event, an innovative initiative designed to foster a love for reading. The event featured 12 teachers reading books while cleverly disguised, challenging students to guess their identities.

Students participated by voting weekly, with at least one reader being unmasked each round. The event not only built excitement and community engagement but also introduced students to new books, series, and poems, broadening their literary horizons.

"We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and participation shown by our students," said Heather Majorwitz, information specialist at Smith Elementary. "Their excitement and curiosity were evident as they approached teachers to ask about the clues provided. The Masked Reader event has truly been a highlight of our school year, sparking conversations and encouraging a deeper appreciation for literature."

The event kicked off on World Read Aloud Day in February, emphasizing the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories across genres. It also served as a fitting introduction to National Reading Month in March, setting the tone for a month filled with book discussions, literary challenges, and activities aimed at fostering a lifelong love for reading.

The initiative was a collaborative effort led by Majorwitz and educational technologist Renee Stotz. The planning process was shared with regional information specialists and educational technologists, inspiring other schools to consider similar programs.

"I loved trying to guess who the masked readers were! It’s like a mystery every week, and I discovered so many new books I want to read," said fifth grader Julian Green. Many students echoed this sentiment, finding themselves motivated to explore different genres and authors.

Videos of the readings were shared in the school’s Morning Meeting slides, allowing students and families to participate in the fun at home. As the competition narrowed, four finalists remained, building anticipation for the final reveal.

The event also sparked an increase in library visits, as students eagerly checked out books featured in the readings.

Smith Elementary extends its heartfelt thanks to the teachers who participated and to the students for their enthusiasm, making the event a resounding success.