Skip To Main Content

Third graders grow a passion for reading with Flashlight Fridays

Student and teacher reading with flashlight.
Third graders grow a passion for reading with Flashlight Fridays

Third graders throughout Chester Elementary School eagerly await each week for Friday afternoons. The excitement isn’t for the weekend, but for a beloved classroom initiative cherished by all third graders, Flashlight Fridays.

The concept of Flashlight Fridays is simple; students grab a flashlight and a book of their choice, finding a cozy spot to settle into before turning off all the lights. Teachers set aside about 20 minutes each week for the activity. 

“You get to relax around the room and read,” said third grader Toni Chambers. Her favorite book series is “Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey.

The purpose of Flashlight Fridays is to foster ongoing enthusiasm for reading, as well as promote creativity and imagination. Flashlight Fridays is more than just reading in the dark, it’s an opportunity for students to create a strong passion for reading by diving into a world of literature. The concept is simple, but highly effective. 

Students reading with flashlight.

Third grade teacher Amy Corola highlights her students' excitement for Flashlight Fridays, emphasizing how she always sets time during the week for the activity, even when there is a potential snow day on the horizon.

“They definitely look forward to it,” Ms. Corolla said. “If it's going to be a half day or no school, sometimes we’ll do Flashlight Thursday because they worry, and they don't want to miss it.”

Students often find their next best read at the school library or in the classroom. Ms. Corolla encourages parents to buy flashlights to participate in this activity daily at home; but many students bring their flashlights back and forth to and from home, getting the most out of their reading journeys

This initiative aligns with the district goals of a welcoming and inclusive learning environment and developing innovative, data-driven instruction by transforming classrooms into a space where students can grow a love for reading. 

“We have a lot of fun reading books with flashlights,” said third grader Tori James, who was reading a book about Thanksgiving. 

Student reading with flashlight.
Students reading with flashlight.
Student reading with flashlight.