LANSING – State Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills) has got into the spirit of March is Reading Month by reading to students at local elementary schools.
"A love of reading is a stepping stone to future success in life," Barnett said. "When children learn to read books at a young age, they become lifelong readers. I'm happy to have this opportunity to share my love of reading with these young students."
On Monday morning, Barnett read Greg Mortenson's "Listen to the Wind" to Janice Martin's fifth-grade class at William Grace Elementary in Farmington Hills. Barnett later read to Kara Artinian's third-graders at Longacre Elementary in Farmington, as well as meeting with two other third-grade classes.
The students also had an opportunity to ask Barnett questions about government and being a lawmaker. Questions posed by the students included "Do you know President Obama?" and "How can we help fix the economy?" Barnett responded by saying that they should try hard in school, go to college, earn a degree and use their talents right here in Michigan.
Students each received a bookmark with a famous quote about reading to celebrate March is Reading Month. In addition, Barnett also provided flashcards at William Grace and geography books at Longacre as gifts.
"March may be Reading Month, but children should spend time reading every day with their parents," Barnett said. "Thirty minutes a day spent reading with your child is an investment that will benefit them tremendously throughout their life."