The Fay Helpers program is a cherished component of service learning at Fay. Throughout the year, Upper School students have the opportunity to forge relationships with Primary Schoolers by volunteering at Primary lunch and in P.E., art class, world languages, and math.

 

So when Fay’s COVID-19 protocols meant that students from the two division could no longer meet in person, the Upper Schoolers were undaunted, volunteering instead to read some of their favorite picture books for Primary School. They created Screencastify videos of themselves reading digital copies of the books so that Primary School students could follow along and enjoy all the pictures, not to mention the Upper Schoolers’ dramatic reading skills!

 

“In service learning, we’re always trying to build empathy and connection,” points out Service Learning Coordinator Craig Ferraro. “Reading a story together is a great way to build those connections: it helps our Upper School students remember what it was like to be that age and experience the magic of a picture book.”

 

Mia O. ’21: Curious George by Margret and H.A. Rey

“I love Curious George, and I used to read those stories all the time when I was in Kindergarten and first grade. I really wanted to share a book that I liked as a kid."

 

Victoria L. ’22: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

“The Giving Tree made a big impact on me when I really young. It teaches us how to care for the people and environment around us. I hope that after hearing this story they will strive to be the tree, as I do!”

 

Alexander H. ’23: The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

“I love The Day the Crayons Quit because it is a fun, creative book that I enjoy reading. I remember loving this book when I was younger, and I wanted to share that joy with other people.”

 

Annabel Z. ’23: Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio

“I chose to share Grace for President because I love that Grace sees something that she believes is unfair—that there has never been a female President—and she has the courage and determination to try to change it.”

 

Katya S. ’21: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

“I chose to read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein because I remember my teachers reading it to me when I was little. I've always loved the book, and I wanted to give other kids the chance to fall in love with it too.”

 

Dylan Z. ’22: Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

“Ms. Luo introduced us to Last Stop on Market Street in sixth grade, and I really like the book’s message that we should take the time to look around us and be grateful for what we have rather than focusing on what we don't have.”

 

Stephen H. ’23: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka

“I used to love this story when I was younger. Not only does it have a comedic storyline, but looking back on it now, I realize that it taught me that there are always two sides to a story.”

 

Luke Z. ’21: The Best of Aesop’s Fables by Margaret Clark

“Aesop's fables are an easy and amusing way for people of all ages to learn lessons that will be useful to them later in life. But more importantly, every time you read a story, there's something new to be learned!"