Students in Virginia McCavera’s second grade class at Stratford School in Garden City are connecting with each other’s families and celebrating reading, virtually. The format of this longstanding Special Story Time tradition was altered in light of the pandemic and as a result, a strong sense of unity has grown among students and parents during these difficult times.
McCavera’s classes have enjoyed Wednesday morning Special Story Time sessions for more than 30 years. In the past, a different parent would visit each week to read a story in person and have a photo taken with their child. This year, the class eagerly embraced plans to continue the program in a way that follows the current health and safety protocols.
Parents register online to be spotlighted via video on their respective Wednesdays. They begin their segments by greeting the students as if they are right there with them in the classroom and go on to read a children’s book of their choice. McCavera takes a photo of the featured reader’s child alongside the screen display, and the class makes a speaker phone call to the parent during, which they express thanks and applause.
One student had numerous relatives who have been unable to be together physically take Special Story Time as an opportunity to collaborate digitally. The family members each read a different letter page of an alphabet book. McCavera’s own mother also participated and shared the teacher’s favorite childhood book. Now several parents are making their second reading debuts.
“There is much thought and caring in each video,” McCavera said. “The students are transfixed by the stories and look forward to Wednesday mornings.”
—Submitted by Garden City Public Schools
