The three R’s of traditional education take a different twist March 1 at DeKalb West School’s third Annual Family Literacy Night.

Reading and 'riting add the new ingredient of rapping to the mix thanks to Michael Shoulders. The children’s author will be reading and rapping his creative works to the community Thursday night, and he usually also has a magic trick or two up his sleeve.

Alongside the entertainment is Shoulder’s desire to help families instill their children with a love of books.
“It’s really simple, but parents and grandparents don’t know intuitively what they can do to help their children love books,” Shoulders said. “Maybe they’ll pick up a tip or two.”

“Parents are their child’s first and constant teachers,” the retired educator adds. “What they do at home is as valuable as what teachers do in school. Families need to celebrate books and not see them as a challenge. There are three ways to have a comfortable life:  inherit a ton of cash, win the lottery, or be an avid reader to grab those best paying jobs later in life.”

Previous literacy nights at DWS have been successful, and no doubt the third occasion will be charmed too.
“I believe most people truly value learning, and literacy is at the heart of learning,” Event Coordinator/School Librarian Amanda Mullinax says of the community response. “I am grateful that families are taking the time to work this event into their already busy schedules!”

DeKalb West will pitch tents for the event, dubbed Camp Read ‘More, starting at 5:00 p.m. In addition to Shoulders, activities will include a young illustrator, a local puppeteer, an escape game, visit to Wonderland, a book walk and much more. Look for possible guest appearances by The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Alice, and The Mad Hatter.