Guests helped bring ‘real world’ context to Summer Literacy Blast

Colonial School District  |  Posted on

Local trainer Kenny Williams taught the students squats, jumps and other exercises.

Elementary students in grades K-6 who struggled with reading and writing during the school year gained two weeks of extra practice at Colonial’s Summer Literacy Blast. The program puts a high value on community connections and used guest speakers to develop “real world” themes for lessons.

The children had the opportunity to:

• Learn about fire safety, explore the gear, and tour a firetruck with firefighters from the Barren Hill Fire Company
• Become illustrators during a visit from illustrator/author Mike Ciccotello
• Get a workout with local trainer Kenny Williams
• Find out what it’s like to be a television reporter with WFMZ-TV’s Julia Rose

Back in the classroom, they took part in related literacy activities, like reading about firefighting, exploring Mr. Ciccotello’s books, writing biographies on famous athletes and composing thank-you notes to the visitors.