SACO — Julie Smyth, director of curriculum and instruction for the Saco School Department, was recently challenged by Maine Department of Education Elementary Literary Specialist Lee Anne Larsen to read to children through the Read to ME Challenge.

Challenge accepted.

On Monday, Smyth invited students from Becky Marshall’s kindergarten class at the Gov. John Fairfield School to come to the central district office.

The students gathered in the lobby while Smyth read “Little Hoot” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and “One” by Katheryn Otoshi, which teaches children about accepting each other’s differences. Afterwards, they discussed “One,” which Smyth said was her favorite book.

Read to ME is a month-long state-wide campaign to bring awareness about the benefits of reading out loud to children. Gov. Paul LePage and First Lady Ann LePage kicked off the challenge on Feb. 2 at the Blaine House in Augusta.

The governor and first lady then challenged a number of people, including Larsen, who in turn challenged a number of educators, including Smyth.

Smyth has now challenged others.

A video was made of Smyth and the kindergarteners, with Smyth challenging the superintendent of schools, Saco principals, English language arts coaches, local rotary clubs and her children’s teachers in Biddeford.

Participants must read 15 minutes to a child or group of children in the next 48 hours. If they are unable to do so, they can donate a book or do volunteer work.

The video has been posted on the Saco Schools Facebook page.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.