A Perfect Day to Read at the Beach

Hawai'i Preparatory Academy’s 121 Middle School students who participated in the First Annual Read at the Beach Day on Friday, August 27, at Hapuna Beach. The event, organized by Village Campus librarian David Giff, encouraged lifelong literacy and reading for personal reasons, not simply for school work.

“Studies have shown that students who read for personal reasons have greater success in school and develop into more avid readers,” said Giff.

It was a perfect day for reading with the sun, sand, and surf. Seventh grader Kanaikai Gaughen, who was reading Tom Clancy’s Fallout, said this was the first time he’s read at the beach.

“It is a good idea because we learn more about reading and we read more,” said Gaughen. “It’s like a reward for us—just by reading we can play in the water later.”

Sixth grader Sidney Vermeulen, who was reading Quest fort a Maid, agreed.

“I think it might work and convince others to read more because it is at a fun place,” she said. “I just think it is a really good idea and it should be continued next year.”