Polk County Early College students brought stories about kindness to elementary classrooms across the district during Read Aloud to a Child Week, combining literacy promotion with important lessons about choosing to be kind.
Student Council and Key Club members visited Tryon Elementary, Polk Central Elementary and Saluda Elementary to read to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The high school students selected books aligned with this year’s theme of kindness, including “K is for Kindness” by Rina Horiuchi, “The Tree in Me” by Stephen Douglas and “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld.
After reading, the early college students led grade-appropriate follow-up activities with elementary students. Activities included drawing, coloring, character analysis and discussions about story elements, helping younger students deepen their understanding of the kindness themes.
The reading visits reflect the early college students’ commitment to community leadership and service. Student Council members engage in leadership activities throughout the community, while Key Club members regularly seek opportunities to volunteer in various capacities.
