Third-grader Eliana brought her mother, Kim Dakis, to Silver Mesa Elementary’s literacy night, capping off a month-long celebration centered around reading.

“I read 15 minutes every night and even more on the weekend,” Eliana said. “I’m on the third book of Harry Potter (series).”

The event marked the culmination of a schoolwide literacy initiative inspired by the world of Harry Potter. During the month, all 500 students were sorted into themed houses, where their reading minutes were tracked in a friendly competition to win the coveted house cup.

The literacy night featured a variety of Harry Potter-themed activities, including a mythical creature word search and a Scales and Tails show, where students got up close with real critters—both of which Eliana participated in.

Meanwhile, second-grader Paris Nielsen chose to dive into wand painting.

“The whole theme is engaging, and she’s done some fun activities such as writing and illustrating a comic strip, writing her grandparents a letter and creating her own magical character,” said her mother Marie. “I like that we’re connecting activities to the reading.”

Kylee Bartholomew, a Silver Mesa PTA event organizer, explained students could earn additional points for their houses by completing take-home literacy packets.

“All the activities tied into literacy and our theme, such as making up a magical character and writing a story about them or if you were this type of character, write about what you would do,” she said. “The idea is for them to develop their writing as well as their reading, but also, having an opportunity to be creative.”

Bartholomew found students engaged in the literacy events.

“Reading is multifaceted, so it’s fun to be able to combine so many different activities with literacy night. It's about reading, but students can read cookbooks, graphic novels, picture books, how-to books; our literacy night mirrors what reading does for your life. It inspires you to do things. It inspires you to learn. It inspires adventure. A lot of the kids say this is their favorite thing all year,” she said, adding she was thankful for the 30 volunteers who helped with literacy month activities.

Instructional coach Tami Dautel said the monthlong activities drove students to read more than usual.

“We’re getting kids excited about reading,” she said. “We want lifelong learners and readers, and reading can take you places. With reading, there are opportunities and places in your imagination to explore and dream.” λ