New Jersey Magician Brings ‘Reading Rocks’ Assembly to Pentucket Lake

Magician Joe Holiday performed for Pentucket Lake students on Jan. 15. (Courtesy photograph)

Magician Joe Holiday performed for Pentucket Lake students on Jan. 15. (Courtesy photograph)

Reading turned into a magical experience for students at Haverhill’s Pentucket Lake elementary school this week when New Jersey-based illusionist Joe Holiday stopped by.

Part of a literacy assembly sponsored by the Pentucket Lake PTO, Holiday’s visit to the Concord Street school featured a “Reading Rocks” magic show that blended comedy, magic and music. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade were all able to enjoy Holiday’s act throughout the school day on Jan. 15.

Holiday’s interactive show—streamed live on Facebook—featured shout-outs to popular kid-friendly books like “Harry Potter” and called upon students to participate in the show by using props and wearing costumes.

The literacy program is the latest in the school’s quest to have students learn through interactive experiences. In December, fourth graders each assumed the role of an Ellis Island immigrant to understand concepts including voting and international communication.