The wordplay readers

A man wearing a hat leaning on a harp while holding a coffee cup

Where it All Began

The Wordplay Readers are a small group of people from the Amery area dedicated to reading weekly to students in the kindergarten and first grade classes of Lien Elementary School.

It all started when Don Hansen volunteered to read in Miss Mugerauer’s first grade class over 20 years ago. It didn’t take long for him to become a weekly guest reader.

One day, when leaving school, he was confronted by a first grade student from a different class who asked why he reads stories to Miss Mugerauer’s class, but not his. After speaking to that student’s teacher, Don was pleased to add another class to his schedule. The following school year he added another, then another. It had become evident he would need to get others involved.

His friends were more than enthusiastic to help, and they found that with several readers involved they would be able to accommodate the entire first and kindergarten grades. A rotating schedule of readers also allowed greater continuity since the periodic absence of any reader would be filled with another. Thus, the Wordplay Readers were born.

3000+ Books in 30 Years

“We want to provide a sense of enjoyment in reading; that reading is fun; and to stimulate their imagination through storytelling.”

- Don Hansen

It wasn’t long before they added both Clayton and Clear Lake School districts to their schedule of weekly visits.

Hansen describes their mission as extra-curricular; “we are not teachers or educators, we are facilitators, our purpose is not to instruct but to entice. We want to provide a sense of enjoyment in reading; that reading is fun; and to stimulate their imagination through storytelling.”

“We do not know if, or how, our efforts bear fruit but we believe sincerely that this effort is, indeed, our pleasure.”

A group of four people standing in front of bookshelves in a library, with colorful paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The women are smiling and dressed in casual attire.

  • "The students are really engaged and love to hear what voices they will use to read!"

    —Mrs. Azipurua 1st Grade Teacher

  • "Don Hansen and Co. are a true gift to our students. For over 20 years they have shared their joy and love of reading with our students, which we have all truly appreciated! Thank you to the Wordplay Readers. What a gift you are to our students and staff!"

    —Cheryl Meyer Former Lien Elementary Principal

  • "Our first-grade classes love to see the Wordplay Readers come into the room. Students are engaged during the stories and participate by asking and answering questions"

    —Mrs. Schradle 1st Grade Teacher

  • "I still remember when don read 'the telltale heart' to my English class in high school in 2014. His theatrical reading brings real life to literature."

    Maggie Christiansen Apple River Arts Board Member