VIDEO: Local teachers make music video to encourage students to read

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Two local teachers are sending positive messages to students in an unconventional way.

Sheldon Strickland, a second-grade teacher at Kingsley Elementary, and Rayshun Casey, a seventh-grade teacher at Redan Middle School posted a music video about reading, in hopes of starting the new school year with a clear message.

“Reading is very fundamental and it’s something we need in the classroom and we need for everyday life,” Strickland said.

The duo posted a video on June 20 titled “Read a Book” to the tune of Ini Kamoze’s 1994 hit song “Here Comes The Hotstepper.”

The lyrics include:

When you just (Read a Book)

You can really gain some knowledge when you (Read a Book)

You can stimulate your mind when you (Read a Book)

You might as well go ahead and just (Read a Book)

The video has been shared more than 1,000 times.

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Strickland said the message is not just for school-aged children, but one everyone should embrace.

“That’s something we all need to work on, whether we’re adults or young adults or children, everybody needs to read,” Strickland said. “It’s one of those songs everyone can relate to.”

The response has been positive, and Strickland said teachers have even contacted the pair asking for the lyrics to the song, so they can use it in their classrooms.

“Everyone has showed tremendous love,” he said.

"Casey and Strick" have shared the video with administrators at their respective schools, but plan to show their own students when they, along with the rest of DeKalb County Schools, go Back 2 School Monday, Aug. 7.

Reading a book is just part of what the teachers want to say to students starting a new year.

Their biggest message to students? Anything is possible.

“We want them to really walk away with the fact that they can do anything they put their minds to, no matter what it is,” Strickland said. “You can achieve your goals if you put your mind to it. If you want the A, you can get the A. You just have to work for it.”

Share their message through this story or from our Facebook page, where you can watch the full video below:

Cox Media Group