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Social - November 2003 |
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Teacher adds enthusiasm to reading |
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By SARAH GRANO, Staff Writer ———————————— It’s not everyday a teacher will don a cow suit and princess hat in the name of reading. Regina Young did just that at North Brook Elementary School’s Family Reading Night. “I could see the kids’ eyes sparkle, and when they sparkle, you know they’re having a good time,” Regina said. Parents and students came to the school to sit in on lessons in reading. They were each divided into grade levels, and some teachers gave conventional reading lessons. Others went the extra mile. “I didn’t know what to expect, but it was fun,” said Kathy Keller who attended Regina’s class. “We want to know if they’ll be available for parties.” Regina and her family and friends put on a play called “Bubba, the Cowboy Prince” after reading the class a book of the same name. Her husband played Bubba, a cowboy who smelled more like cows than his cows did, but became the handsomest dude on the ranch after a visit from his fairy godcow. “I’m not a real cowboy, I just play one at North Brook,” said Jeff Young. His daughters also had parts in the skit, and although they did not volunteer willingly, they’re performances were all smiles. “She kind of told me the other day that I had a part, and I wouldn’t get my weekly allowance if I didn’t come,” said Cameron Young. The performance included singing, line dancing and riding a broomstick like a horse. “We act out plays all the time in our regular classroom,” Regina said. “It’s a way to get kids excited about reading.” Parents were told throughout the night about the importance of reading. Kathy Robinson, the school’s media specialist talked about their program, Reading Counts, and children’s Lexile Levels. “If you went to a shoe store and said you wanted fourth grade sized shoes, the salesman would look at you like you were very strange,” Robinson said. “It’s the same thing with reading.” Parents learned that not all students are at the same reading level, and they’re not meant to be. Parent’s main focus should be on helping their children develop a love for reading. “There is absolutely nothing that is as important as becoming the best readers they can be in these six years at North Brook,” Robinson said. ————— Staff Writer Sarah Grano can be reached at 704-735-3031 or sgrano@ltnews.com.
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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News |
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