Promoting Childhood Literacy

One of the most rewarding and fun parts of First Lady Dianne Bentley’s role is reading to the children of Alabama throughout the state.  Childhood literacy is an issue on Mrs. Bentley’s platform, because she believes in the importance of encouraging students to read and expand their minds in the midst of today’s technological distractions. 

On Sept. 18, Mrs. Bentley had the privilege of visiting fourth grade students at Deer Valley Elementary in Hoover, Ala. and A. H. Watwood Elementary in Childersburg, Ala.  During this time she read to the students and told them about her love for reading.  Afterwards, she shared with the fourth graders her binder of state symbols from the state flower to the state marine mammal (which by the way is the West Indian manatee!).  Needless to say it was a hit, and the binder will be used again and again.  The most fun reactions from the students however came from showing photos of the Governor’s Mansion and the Alabama-shaped swimming pool.  She was asked if her grandchildren ever get lost in the Mansion, and the answer is yes! Another cute question was "What's it like being the government's wife?" 

 

The First Lady and her staff loved seeing the fourth grade students and teachers of Deer Valley and A.H. Watwood Elementary Schools.  We especially loved seeing how eager the kids were to learn, how passionate the teachers were about serving the children of Alabama, and what steps administrators were taking to move their schools forward.  Thank you for making time for us!