Mesquite ISD Read Play Talk Magazine Spring 2018 | Page 14

F
or families at Mesquite ISD’s second
annual ReadPlayTalk Fair, March 24
was a day full of unique sights, sounds,
activities and fun.
The fair, which welcomed hundreds of guests and
dozens of MISD volunteers, transformed Mesquite
High School into an imaginative space for play and
creativity for a few hours on a Saturday, showing
parents how simple and intuitive it can be to read,
play and talk with their children every day.
The event brings together community businesses,
district staff and Mesquite families to promote the
goal of ReadPlayTalk—to ensure that every student is
reading at or above grade-level by third grade.
MISD elementary literacy facilitator and fair
volunteer Sheila Hill said it was clear that families
made sweet memories at MHS.
“You could tell that parents as well as kids were
enjoying it because of the delight on their faces. It
was engaging and interactive, and just a positive and
fun environment. The kids probably didn’t realize
they were learning things!” she said.
Hill also pointed out that the day’s
vendors were helpful and
kind to parents, as
were the student
volunteers
who spent their
morning supporting
ReadPlayTalk.
In the gym, the district’s athletics
department worked with student
athletes and ASI Gymnastics to
create the ideal play environment.
A ring toss, carnival games,
bowling and obstacle courses
were a huge hit, and an
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“instrument petting zoo” in the auditorium, where
kids got to explore string and brass instruments, kept
little hands busy.
The library featured storybook characters and
activities, while guest readers included State Rep.
Cindy Burkett, Mesquite police officers and students.
Mesquite ISD Community Liaison Jaci Mouser said,
“The ReadPlayTalk Fair was definitely a success this
year! To see the vision come alive right before my
eyes was truly rewarding and heartwarming at the
same time. We had over 1,000 people participating
in ReadPlayTalk in some capacity that morning.
Whether a parent, child, volunteer, an MISD
employee, student or RPT board member, the
fair was a joint effort among many. It was nothing
short of a celebration with the community, all for
ReadPlayTalk!”
Drawstring “goodie bags” featuring ReadPlayTalk
promotional materials were also distributed to each
family as they entered the fair.
Overall, it was a wonderful event that offered
parents and
community
members the
tools they need
to feel confident
reading, playing
and talking with the
children of Mesquite every
day. We look forward to next year’s
ReadPlayTalk Fair already!