VALDOSTA – Hahira Middle School 7th-graders participated in the school’s second-annual Literary “Snowcase,” to promote and enhance literacy in a fun and creative way just before Christmas break.

Students selected a fictional chapter book from the HMS library that interested them and paid special attention to the literary elements, which would become the focal points of their 3D creations.

Snowcase participant Connor Wade explained the process as “first, reading a book, and then creating a Christmas-themed project that highlights the literary elements.”

Given a week to plan and construct their projects after they finish reading, students were encouraged to be creative while still managing their time.

“With today’s world being so technology-focused and driven, we had a vision of taking our students back to simpler times.

Students constructed their projects out of cardboard, plastic, paper, items from home, etc. They were to be handmade with little to no technology used,” explains teacher Bailey Philpot.

Once the projects were complete and on display, other grade levels, along with school administrators, strolled through the Snowcase, learning more about each featured novel, all while enjoying some hot chocolate.

Wade, who presented a gingerbread house as his project, shared how the process deepened his understanding of the book after focusing on not just comprehending the elements, but having to physically display them in a creative way.

Marie Williams and Lexie Musgrove embraced the creative challenges posed by the project, with Williams noting, “The book really hit home for me, so it pushed me to be unique in how I displayed each element.”

Musgrove said, “The most exciting part of the project was picking which scene I wanted to showcase from the book in my diorama. It was difficult to get everything organized and displayed in a way that made sense.”

Jackson Moon wanted his diorama to really transport you into his book, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” so he made a replica of Hogsmeade Village featured in the story since it already has a winter, snowy vibe.

“We really had to pay attention to detail in this project with both the craftsmanship and literary aspects,” Moon said regarding his time preparing for the Snowcase.

The Snowcase has quickly become a beloved tradition at Hahira Middle School and students and staff look forward to its return next December.