The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) welcomed local second-graders for the inaugural “Hop into Learning: A Bunny Discovery Educational Day” on April 25. College of Education students played an active role during the event.
Michael Mercier | UAH
There were bunny ears, storybooks and lots of giggles as The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) welcomed a very special group of guests—local second-graders—for the first-ever “Hop into Learning: A Bunny Discovery Educational Day” on April 25. UAH is a part of The University of Alabama System.
Hosted at the UAH Salmon Library and led by a team of UAH faculty, staff and students, this educational initiative provided a magical mix of bunny-themed literature and interactive, standards-based learning activities, all aimed at nurturing a love of reading among young students. It was created by Dr. Hamsa Mahafza, Clinical Assistant Professor of Curriculum and Instruction at UAH. Inspired by her love for bunnies and passion for writing children’s books, Dr. Mahafza developed the concept as part of the College of Education’s “Reading for Pleasure” initiative—a program focused on sparking curiosity, encouraging creativity, and cultivating lifelong reading habits.
From left: Dr. Hamsa Mahafza clinical assistant professor of curriculum and instruction; David Moore, director, M. Louis Salmon Library; Dr. Sharifa Love-Rutledge, assistant professor, chemistry; and Dr. Beth Quick, dean of the College of Education.
Courtesy UAH
“Reading is such a powerful thing, and when children learn to read for fun – not just as part of a school assignment – it encourages lifelong reading habits” said Dr. Mahafza. “We wanted to create a day that helps children fall in love with books, using something as simple and adorable as a bunny to provide a meaningful context and a joyful reading experience.”
The event enhanced community engagement, with one of the most popular stations showcasing live rabbits from Huntsville House Rabbits, a local rabbit rescue organization. Students met different breeds, learned about rabbit care, and took photos—fostering empathy and curiosity through hands-on learning. UAH’s mascot, Charger Blue, also made a special appearance, cheering on participants and adding excitement to the day.
Each interactive station encouraged storytelling, creativity and critical thinking while also serving as a professional development opportunity for UAH College of Education students, who facilitated the activities and gained valuable teaching experience in a real-world setting.
As a keepsake, each child received a bunny-themed coloring book titled “Let’s Hop into Learning,” authored by Dr. Mahafza, sponsored by the UAH Library and designed by UAH’s Office of Marketing and Communications. The book symbolized the event’s collaborative spirit and gave students a tangible reminder of their day.
“Research shows that reading for pleasure significantly contributes to children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development,” said Dr. Mahafza. “It promotes motivation, supports literacy growth and encourages a lifelong appreciation for reading among emergent readers.”
With this in mind, the “Hop into Learning” initiative is set to become a spring tradition at UAH, continuing to blend literacy, creativity, and a little bunny magic for years to come.
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