Nevada-Utah Conference
Rabbit Reading By Nancy Schafner
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very time Nancy Schafner drives to Summit Christian Academy (SCA), she sees its large digital sign with the words “Learn, Love, Inspire” scrolling across the screen. After parking and retrieving her precious cargo from her car, she goes inside, where she is warmly greeted by the school administrator, Pam Mertz. After climbing a half flight of stairs and crossing the hallway to the library, she prepares for the joyful students to join her for Rabbit Reading.
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PA C I F I C U N I O N R E CO R D E R
PHOTOS: NANCY SCHAFNER
While getting her bunny situated for the day, she thinks to herself, “Yes, SCA is a place where students learn—and learn to love learning.” This school offers creative environments that make learning fun. As a result, students love to learn; because they love learning, their joy inspires others. Teachers at SCA are frequently involved in educational projects outside the classroom “box.” Because of this, Schafner is able to take her bunnies to the school to read with the third and fourth graders. When the idea of having students read to a rabbit was presented to head teacher Cindy McCaw, she quickly embraced the idea. The students practice their oral reading skills while reading aloud to Schafner and one of her bunnies. By holding and reading to the bunnies each week, students learn an appreciation for God’s little creatures. The Bible encourages us to take care of the animals. In the creation story, God asked Adam to name the animals and take care of them. As a parent wouldn’t you want to send your child to a school where many different approaches to learning are utilized? There are four major styles of learning: auditory, kinesthetic, reading/writing, and
(Top left) Alee treats Christian the bunny with exceptional gentleness and love. (Above left) Gia snuggles and stays warm while reading to Summit the bunny. (Above right) Simon and Vincent enjoy some special time with Summit. visual. Studies reveal that the most common way of learning is kinesthetic, followed by visual. Kinesthetic learners prefer using their hands, body, and sense of touch. Tapping into kinesthetic learning, students are encouraged to use their hands and sense of touch by petting and grooming the rabbit during their oral reading time in the library. Before going back to their classroom, they have the opportunity to hold the rabbit in their lap for more petting and grooming time. When asked what they like best about reading to the bunnies, varied responses were given. Fourth grader
Gia said she likes how they feel and likes petting them. Simon Sakata, a third grader, said, “I think they are listening to me.” Diego told Schafner that he had never seen a real bunny before. Aly said she likes how soft they are and that she enjoys brushing them. Jay’s answer delves into the reason animals often provide excellent stress reduction therapy. He said, “Bunnies are quiet. They make me feel good. I like it calm and peaceful.” Job 12:7 tells us to ask the animals and they will teach us. The rabbits that visit SCA are doing just what God designed them to do.
