Elvira Burgo

After trick-or-treating, literacy may seem dull. 

Let’s talk Halloween for a bit.  

I bet you created some good memories with your kiddos.

Reminiscing

I remember the good old days with the children.  Watching the excitement on the young one’s faces while trick-or-treating made me happy.  I threw a Halloween party a few times but got carried away with one celebration.  It was easier to do as my children were older, and they were able to help.  Michael Jackson’s skeleton hung on the wall, as well as all sorts of creepy things.  I’ll never forget the look on one of the parent’s faces.  And the treats were so good, especially the green pudding in clear plastic cups filled with fake soil and critters.    

Today, and during November, I will be thinking about the teachers who made a difference in my life.  One planted the seed for me to teach. I don’t know what she saw in me; whatever it was, I was asked to tutor her class.  A high school teacher applauded my linguistic skills and thought I should work for the United Nations one day.  As you can see, that never materialized.  But I do remember my French trophy.  French was all new to me, and I went up against someone fluent in French.  Could you not ask me to speak about it today, however?  

So much about me and my past.  

The truth is that happy memories do make one happy instantly.

National Family Literacy Day (November 1)

Congress enacted National Family Literacy Day in 1994 to allow families to get back into the tradition of reading as a family.  The entire month is designated for family literacy, so November 1st kicks off the celebration. 

Let's begin the month with some good cheer. No stressing over Thanksgiving.  At least not yet.  Let’s focus on literacy while there’s some excitement in the air.  

There are lots of ways to celebrate literacy.  I say make it APPEALING.  Like Halloween.  Why not? 

Are you ready for some fun?  I know; I am.  Go as large as you would like.  Bring in some treats.  Or, a tarantula.  

Elvira