The TASIS Elementary School has celebrated Book Week each spring since 2016, hosting distinguished authors and illustrators of children’s literature, organizing book-themed activities, and encouraging students to discover new kinds of books. This year’s Book Week, held from April 20–24, was coordinated by Elementary School Librarian Erin Fitzgerald alongside a committee that included Language and Literacy Leader Melissa Fogal, Language and Literacy Teacher Elizabeth Zanecchia, First-Grade Homeroom Teacher Tia Zanecchia, and Elementary School Italian Teacher Sissi Stolz. The theme was “Be Curious! Dive into Nonfiction,” which dovetailed perfectly with a three-day visit from award-winning author and illustrator Jason Chin, whose specialty is nonfiction books focusing on science and nature. Throughout the week, students explored the power of curiosity and discovered how nonfiction books help them learn about the world. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that while Book Week is fun, there is always an important learning component: the overarching goal is to celebrate reading and writing and ensure students associate books with happy memories and joyful feelings. Each year, a new theme is chosen to broaden students’ understanding of different book types, and a comprehensive program is designed around it.
This year marked the first time the focus was on nonfiction, which sparked curiosity and appealed to a new group of readers. Ms. Fogal emphasized that pairing joy with curiosity is key to engaging students. The literacy team’s ultimate goal, as stated by Ms. Fitzgerald, is to give students the tools to believe they are “a reader” or “a kid who likes books,” and to ensure they carry that feeling with them when they leave the Elementary School. The week’s activities were designed to reinforce this identity, encouraging students to dive into nonfiction and explore topics ranging from science to nature. The visit from Jason Chin, a Caldecott Medal winner, provided a unique opportunity for students to interact with an author whose work exemplifies the power of nonfiction to inspire learning. The committee’s careful planning ensured that every activity aligned with the theme, fostering a love for reading that extends beyond the week itself. TASIS Elementary School’s commitment to literacy is evident in the thoughtful integration of themes and author visits, making Book Week a highlight of the academic year.
