A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of reading "Green Eggs and Ham" to an 8-year-old girl. She had green eyes, freckles, and chipped fingernails decorated with Halloween designs by her mother. Surprisingly, she knew the book very well and had read it several times before. She was so attuned that she could predict the rhyme scheme and recite the story word for word for pages at a time. When we came to a part she wasn't as familiar with, I took the opportunity to teach her about the "sh" sound and silent "e's". She quickly applied these new skills and continued with enthusiasm. It was a wonderful feeling to know that I had left her with new knowledge that would aid her in her reading journey and overall education.

Unwavering Reading Truths

The silent "e's" at the end of words and the "shhhh" sound of the letters "sh" are undeniable facts. These reading skills will remain true and reliable as children grow and find their place in the world. They will guide them to pursue more knowledge, discover personal interests, and form their own educated opinions. When I left the Boys and Girls Club that day, I had a sense that I might have opened their eyes to new ideas and books.

Volunteering as Reading Buddies

Twice a week, volunteers spend about 30 minutes as reading buddies with children at the Boys and Girls Club. Some volunteers read with different children each time, while others have regular kids they connect with. Through this, volunteers can engage with children's interests and foster a love for reading. "Read to Succeed", an IU club, provides an organized opportunity for college students to make a positive impact. Many students, like me, have experienced the joy and satisfaction of being part of children's reading journeys.

Observing Reading Challenges

While rewarding, this experience has made me notice the lack of comprehension and reading skills in elementary-age children. Besides phonics and fluency issues, they often lack enthusiasm. Research shows that easy access to short-form entertainment has shortened children's attention spans, which may explain their lack of interest. Nowadays, children seem more accustomed to instant gratification from technology instead of losing themselves in a book. This lack of enthusiasm is disheartening as someone who loved reading as a child and saw how it enriched my life.

The Power of Reading in Childhood

As a child, I devoured every book I could get my hands on. Reading instilled in me an interest in history, mythology, and the arts. It taught me to think beyond myself and changed my perspective of the world. But now, books seem to be replaced by iPads, and curiosity is lost. Children lack the excitement and exuberance that reading brought to my childhood. As a college freshman not in childhood education, I feel powerless against this disinterest. However, as a reading buddy, I feel a responsibility to try to spark a love of books in the children I read with. If I can leave them a little more excited for the next time, I consider my efforts successful.

Inspiring Reading Excitement

I have found that giving children a reason to be excited about reading is crucial. Whether it's encouraging them to choose an interesting book or praising their progress, associating excitement and positivity with reading is essential. Although the experience can be challenging at times, being a reading buddy has been extremely rewarding. It has improved my skills in interacting and communicating with children and my ability to stay calm in chaotic environments. Even though I am just one person, it is fulfilling to give back to the community in this meaningful way.Abby Whited (she/her) is a freshman studying journalism.

That feeling might be overlooked by certain fans as they view their beloved franchise with a more mature perspective. Here's an in-depth look at the story that unfolds.

"Four Kids' Adventure in a Strange Galaxy"

Introduction to the Four Kids

We meet four youngsters - Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), his pal Neel (Robert Timothy Smith), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and KB (Kyriana Kratter). These four come from decent homes on a planet that stands out compared to the familiar planets in other Star Wars stories. Their world has schools, public transportation systems, and homes that could easily be mistaken for modern upper-middle class dwellings in any neighborhood on Earth.

The level of social stability and infrastructure on their planet is truly remarkable. It contrasts sharply with the harsh environments of Tatooine's sands, Mustaphar's lava pools, and Dagobah's swamps.

It all begins when Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), while exploring outside his upscale home in a forest, discovers an unusual structure. His friend Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) joins him in the investigation. Soon, Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), the school "Head Girl," and her bestie KB (Kyriana Kratter), who has cybernetic similarities to Lobot from The Empire Strikes Back, also arrive on the scene.

The Mysterious Discovery

The discovery made by Wim sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever. This seemingly innocent structure in the forest holds secrets and mysteries that they are about to uncover.

As they gather around the object, curiosity fills the air. Each child brings their own set of skills and personalities to the table, and together they will face the challenges that lie ahead.

They start to piece together the puzzle, realizing that this is no ordinary find. It leads them on a journey that will take them far from their home planet and into a strange and dangerous galaxy.

Getting Lost in the Galaxy

Once they get lost in the strange galaxy, the adventure truly begins. They encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles.

They meet unlikely allies who help them along the way. These allies provide them with guidance and support, showing them that they are not alone in this vast universe.

At the same time, they also face dangerous enemies who are determined to stop them from finding their way home. The battles and confrontations are intense, testing their courage and determination.

The Journey Home

Finding their way back home becomes their ultimate goal. It is a greater adventure than they could have ever imagined.

Along the journey, they learn valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them. They grow and evolve, becoming stronger and more resilient.

With each step they take, the tension builds as they get closer to home. The final confrontation is both thrilling and emotional, as they face their greatest challenges yet.