Dr. Tamaka Galvin recently wrote about Lewis Angapak Memorial School’s Book and Blankets family literacy event.
Books and Blankets has become a cherished tradition in our school community, bringing families together to celebrate the joy of reading. Parents, grandparents, guardians, and volunteers joined their children in a cozy, relaxed setting where shoes came off, warm blankets came out, and everyone settled in to enjoy a good book together. With the pajama theme adding a fun and comforting touch, students selected their books, sipped hot chocolate, enjoyed snacks, and cuddled close as they read with or to their family members. The atmosphere was calm, inviting, and centered entirely on connection. In this shared space, reading did not feel like an assignment; it felt like quality time, comfort, and belonging.
What made this event especially meaningful was the way it strengthened literacy through togetherness. Families protected this time and used it intentionally to support their child’s learning. Students deepened their reading skills without pressure, discovering joy, confidence, and a sense of ownership in the process. Many parents expressed their commitment to continue reading with their children at home, noting how special and impactful the experience was. Books and Blankets reminded us all that when families and schools come together with fidelity and purpose, we build strong, lifelong reading habits, one cozy moment at a time.
We hope that over this winter break, you get some cozy books and blanket time – whether that’s with the small people in your life or some restorative time on your own. And thank you for all you do for our students and families.