Reading, writing and rhythm

Students at Rock Crusher Elementary School were treated to a musical performance from Nashville recording artist Tom Jackson on Thursday and were offered real-life lessons on the importance of reading and writing.
 

Matthew Beck

Country singer Tom Jackson signs autographs Thursday afternoon for students at Rock Crusher Elementary School after finishing a musical performance.

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Matthew Beck

Jackson shares the stage with Colton Antill, 10, a fourth- grade student at Rock Crusher Elementary. The musician, who lives in Jupiter, was in town for a concert at Rock Crusher Canyon.

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Matthew Beck

Students anxiously wave their hands to be chosen to answer questions.

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The musician, a resident of Jupiter, was in town to open for country music artist Justin Moore at Rock Crusher Canyon on Friday night.
Through a connection with Huntin’ is Good, Jackson was invited to get acquainted with the children.
 

Sitting on the school’s stage in the cafeteria, he paused between songs to express the importance of education’s most basic building blocks.
 

“For me, as a songwriter, reading and writing is a very important part of my career. You have to be able to spell,” he said with a chuckle.
 

The Army veteran turned professional musician also gave the children a chance to win items like guitar picks with his logo and publicity photographs that he signed for the youngsters. Children patiently waited in line to have a few seconds of face time with him.
 

Students also had a chance to ask questions that were videotaped and played on a monitor.
 

John Weed has been the Rock Crusher Elementary School principal for four years and said finding new ways to stress the importance of reading and writing is paramount in education.
 

“We’re always looking for creative ways to grab our students’ attention, to get them interested in writing and reading. Being able to bring Tom into the school enhances that ability,” he said. “It gives us a chance to really show kids there’s more to writing than having to sit down and write an essay for state-mandated tests. There are other avenues and other options to use those skills. And what better way to do that than a performance of music that the kids can all relate to?”
Jackson is working on a follow-up album to his 2008 release, “Southern Thang,” entitled “Keep it Country.”
 

For more information on Jackson and to follow him on his social media sites, go to www.tomjacksonsband.com.
 

Chronicle staff writer Matthew Beck can be reached at 352-564-2919 or mbeck@chronicleonline.com.