Showing it's never too early to give back, Palmer Elementary first grader Layla Blodgett returned to Mrs. Bennett's pre-k class at Weeks Elementary to serve as a "mystery reader" for her former teacher. Blodgett read How to Babysit a Grandpa, showing Mrs. Bennett how strong of a reader she has become, and the students how quickly they can improve their reading skills.
"I said that one year I'd love to have her back as a mystery reader. I didn't know it would be so soon. I'm so amazed at her reading progress," said Mrs. Bennett.
All Windsor CSD elementary schools have welcomed "mystery readers" into their classrooms for PARP, or Pick a Reading Partner. Often they are parents or members of the community. But on this day at weeks it was Layla, who happens to want to become a teacher when she grows up.
"It was fun. I liked getting to see everything (again)," said Layla, who said that making handprints was her favorite project in pre-k.
"For her to express wanting to be a teacher, then practicing here is inspiring to the children," said Mrs. Bennett.
Layla's practice may not be done.
"I asked her if she'd like to come back to take on some teacher roles. I feel like she could be my little intern, even at this young age," said Mrs. Bennett.