Actually, underneath the wild costumes were Marlinton Elementary School staff members, who were eventually unmasked to appreciative applause from the student body.

Sponsored by the Pocahontas County Reading Council, Marlinton Elementary School offered its first “Masked Reader” assembly just before the Christmas break.

Inspired by the long-running “The Masked Singer” television show, the assembly featured school staff members becoming mysterious masked readers, hiding their identities behind large blow-up costumes.

The primary objective of the “Masked Reader” events “is to foster a love for reading and literature while adding an element of fun and mystery to the learning environment,” a school press release states. “By guessing the Masked Reader’s identity, students engage actively with the texts presented, enhancing their comprehension and critical thinking skills.”

After reading from favorite books and poems, the readers were unmasked and revealed to be school staff members.

“Masked Reader” events have been offered at schools across the country, with some taking place on apps featured on iPhones or iPads, in which readers are disguised by “hiding their identities behind animated Memojis.”

“Students will have the thrilling task of guessing which teacher is behind the mask as they listen to them read excerpts from their favorite books or recite captivating poems,” a post about “Masked Reader” events on https://education.apple.com reads.

Benefits of such events for students includes encouraging active listening and critical thinking skills; fostering a positive attitude towards reading and literature; promoting teacher-student interaction and collaboration in a fun setting; and building a sense of excitement and community within the classroom, the post states.