Lakehead mascot helps students learn to read

Literature is riddled with wolves. Most of them aren’t very nice.

Little Red Riding Hood had to deal with the Big Bad Wolf and his ears, nose and mouth that were much too big to be Granny.

The Three Little Pigs had their houses huffed and puffed into rubble – at least the two that built their homes out of sticks and straw.

The Brothers Grimm brought us The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids and Jack London delivered White Fang.

Out to set the record straight that not all wolves are bad, the city’s most famous mascot, Lakehead’s Wolfie, stopped by a Grade 1 and 2 classroom at Algonquin Avenue Public School, spending a few minutes with students to help them learn to read.

In advance of his visit, the Thunderwolves provided the six and seven-year-olds with Wolfie’s Wonderful 100-Word List, which he hopes will help encourage a love of reading at an early age.

Tristian Niemi thought it was pretty cool to have a wolf in class. But then again, what seven-year old wouldn’t?

“I’ve never really seen a mascot before,” he said. “It’s awesome, actually. He teaches us how to read and write.”

Classmate Olivia Affelin was a little shy around the big, grey visitor, but said she was happy to have him stop by.

“I like him,” she said.

“I know 50 words now.”

Teacher Lynn Crookham said Wolfie’s words are about half the ones found in the primary reading books, and have sparked much love for the written word, as students worked diligently in class and at home to ready themselves for their celebrity visit.

“The students are definitely excited and have a real-world connection to Wolfie. They do want to impress him and we’ve been giving them reminders about their behaviour in class and what would Wolfie think if they saw this,” Crookham said.

“They are very encouraged by having a celebrity come to their class and give them a chance to be honoured and rewarded for their chances.”

TB Newswatch is still trying to confirm that “Queen’s Cup win” and “CIS Final 8 gold” were late additions to Wolfie’s list. The mascot had no comment.