Some Lafayette Parish students are getting encouragement this week to read.
Rick Kelley, who works with the Louisiana State Book Festival every year to encourage kids to attend, visited two Lafayette schools on Thursday and is visiting two Scott schools today. He presents interactive performances that encourage kids to get excited about reading.
A former educator, his job is also to encourage kids to attend the festival. We caught up with him during his visit to Woodvale Elementary.
“I go to schools the week before, to get kids interested, to invite them to attend and bring their families. We want younger people there,” he said. “It seems to be working.”
Kelly said he gets kids singing, dancing and excited about reading.
“I try to show how much fun reading is. Reading makes you smarter, and it expands your world view,” he said. “By doing it through music, it’s a different approach. Rather than lecturing to them, I do it kind of subliminally, through song, on how they can be avid readers.”
To get information about the festival, including parking, a schedule and a list of featured authors, click here.
