LAWRENCE, NEW YORK (OCTOBER 2025)—Students at Lawrence Primary School traded their desks for passport stamps during this year’s highly anticipated Literacy Night, themed “Reading Can Take You Places.” The school gymnasium was transformed into a bustling international terminal where students and their families “boarded their planes” for an evening of global exploration, cultural discovery, and hands-on literacy learning.
The goal of the event was simple yet powerful—to show that opening a book is the first step on any great journey. Upon arrival, families received travel passports and were invited to visit three interactive continent stations: Africa (Nigeria), South America (Peru), and Antarctica. Each destination offered a unique cultural experience tied directly to foundational literacy skills such as reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary development.
Traveling the World, One Book at a Time
At each stop, students listened to engaging read-aloud stories representing the featured region and then participated in activities that brought the stories to life.
● Africa (Nigeria): The adventure began with a lively story about a night market, followed by a game of Mancala, an indigenous strategy game. Students then wrote postcards to their families, describing their favorite parts of their African journey.
● South America (Peru): The next stop featured the rhythmic tale “Maria Had a Little Llama.” After the story, students explored traditional Peruvian weaving by creating colorful yarn crafts, combining fine motor skills with lessons in listening comprehension and cultural appreciation.
● Antarctica: The final destination took students to the icy landscapes of the South Pole through the story “If I Could Go to Antarctica.” Learners engaged in a lively “vocabulary snowball fight” and concluded their journey with a fast-paced round of Jeopardy, testing their knowledge of the continent’s wildlife and geography.
Each station integrated reading with writing, creativity, and play—reinforcing the message that literacy opens doors to understanding new cultures, perspectives, and ideas. Teachers and parent volunteers served as guides, supporting the young “travelers” as they explored the world through words.
“Literacy Night reminds our students that reading is an adventure,” said Dr. Kristen Panzarella, Principal of Lawrence Primary School. “When we connect stories to culture and creativity, we help children see that books can truly take them anywhere.”
By the end of the evening, passports were filled with stamps, minds were filled with new knowledge, and families left inspired to keep exploring the world—one book at a time.
For more information about the Lawrence UFSD and the latest District news, please visit www.lawrence.org #LawrenceSTRONG
###
Photos 1-6: Lawrence Primary School’s Literacy Night
