Family Literacy Night Happening “Under the Sea” and Over Zoom

Whether under the sea or over Zoom, Cedarville University's early childhood education majors will do whatever it takes to encourage reading and literacy.

Cedarville’s school of education will host Virtual Family Literacy Nights with a fun “Under the Sea” theme beginning March 9 for McKinley Elementary School in Xenia and March 16 for Cedar Cliff Elementary School. Kindergarten through fifth-grade students and their families are invited to participate.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, this event was held in person, but switched to a virtual format last fall and is being offered via Zoom again this spring.

“We want to help parents see that they are able to help their children with reading and writing in simple ways,” noted Dr. Megan Brown, assistant professor of education, discussing the purpose of the event. “We also partner with the Greene County Public Library to inform families about their local libraries.”

Families having fun as their children learn is one of the greatest outcomes of the event. “And during this semester, we are able to provide those benefits right in their homes through Zoom,” Brown added.

Brown and her students also provide take-home bags for the elementary students, containing books, provided by Half Price Books in Beavercreek, games, and snacks. The goody bags are normally picked up by families the night of the event, but due to the virtual format, they were dropped off at the schools to be distributed by staff.

While the focus is supporting local families, Cedarville’s education majors gain as well.

“They get to serve the community by providing resources and fun learning opportunities for families,” Brown said. “But the reality is, our students are learning too. They see lightbulbs going on in the hearts and minds of young learners, and they encourage parents as the main teachers of their kids. It’s a win-win, and we are so glad we can offer this program virtually.”

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its Bachelor of Arts in Primary Education and Bachelor of Arts in Primary (P-5) / Special Education programs, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.