This past Friday was Reading Day at Nia’s school. Each year on this day, students dress up as their favorite book character and bring a corresponding book. Nia insisted on being “Shine” from the relatively new “Shimmer and Shine” series on Nickelodeon. For those who aren’t up on their children’s programming, Shimmer and Shine are genies in training who grant wishes for this little girl named Leah. They make lots and mistakes and – surprise, surprise – learn lots in the process.
Here’s Nia doing her “Genie Pose”. I honestly have no idea where she came up with that, but she did it all day long. :)
The students began with a parade around the school grounds for the parents. They finished in the pavilion, where awards were given out for best costume for each grade level (we did not come close to winning). I was shocked to see how many home-made costumes there were. This was a serious competition! Next year we’re definitely upping our game with something homemade.
The awards presentation was followed by a really cute skit from the teachers, all of whom were in costume. After the assembly the middle and high schoolers buddied up with a younger classroom and read their book to them. It was soooo cute.
I do feel a bit sorry for Nia’s new reading buddy who, when we saw her today, Nia ran up to and said, “Hi new friend. Will you carry me to my bus?” I couldn’t help but shake my head as this sweet little girl hefts Nia up and begins the long trek across campus. And best of all, her friend was recruited to carry Nia’s bag! Oh Nia, what are we going to do with you??
Here she is with a few of her classmates. Can I just say that I L-O-V-E how diverse her classroom is? It’s so beautiful to see. :)
Speaking of beauty, I leave you with a shot of the marvelous Jacaranda trees, which are bursting into bloom all over Lilongwe. Purple trees are seriously a natural wonder… let’s hope they linger for a few more weeks!
