Bellringer Award: "If You're Happy and You Know It"

Kaye Clegg, Thomas Street Elementary, Tupelo

First Grade - Early Literacy

Students sing the "Happy and You Know It" song and then tell about a short book they have read the previous evening and the events surrounding the reading - whether they read to a parent, sibling, grandparent or friend. Students tell what made them happy about reading to the person. Many students come from Spanish-speaking homes and are proud to be able to "teach" others about what they are reading and it makes them feel important to contribute to the family learning English.

The activity helps the students understand the importance of reading, that reading will not only make you happy but will help you to succeed in life.