Sonja Croone's 'Read and Right' program instills love of reading in elementary students

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Alabama Literacy Act aims for students to be proficient readers by third grade, but some need a little extra help along the way. Whether it be because of short attention spans or a lack of interest, it’s Florence City Schools Social Worker Sonja Croone’s goal to help fix that.

Croone started the “Read and Right” program in 2024 as a way to encourage student reading by taking them out of their regular environment. “I don't do it inside; I do it outside,” she said.

The program is offered to students in grades kindergarten through second grade at each Florence City elementary school to help them prepare for third grade. Croone believes that by allowing the students to have storytime outside in nature, they’ll have more focus.

The students’ focus doesn’t go unnoticed as Croone provides special incentives for good listeners who can recall details from the story following the reading; Croone calls those rewards her “Sonja Surprises.”

Students are then tested in class on the “Read and Right” books. Asked how the progression of their reading has improved, Croone said, “We’ve had 18 actually made 100 so, yes, I have seen great progress since I have been doing this, from what I’ve heard from the teachers.”

Croone said it makes her feel amazing and proud of what the students have accomplished.

By Kaden Sledge and Piers Dalton