Feb. 1, 2012 —
Giggles burst out of five third grade boys as they read “Superfudge” by Judy Blume.
The boys are part of an after-school program designed by the West Carter High School Community Problem Solving Team to make reading fun. The program is called Be a reader, Be a leader.
Kim Lee, adviser to the team, said the group felt like a literacy program would target several problems within their community.
“We have heard so much about trouble in our schools’ scores and by the time students are seniors their reading levels have dropped significantly, so let’s target the problem early,” said Lee.
Lee said children are typically very imaginative, but television, movies and video games seem to have hindered their natural ability to understand or create the story in their minds.
“Everything is so automatic, it is start and stop and they don't have to imagine the written word,” said Lee. “These reading groups are one small way that we can pull them back into using their imagination to comprehend things instead of relying on video images.”
Currently, there are two after-school reading groups at Olive Hill Elementary specifically working with third grade boys and one at Upper Tygart Elementary that welcomes fourth and fifth graders.
Members of the CPST, Junior Andrew Henderson and senior Kyle Lee, work with the third grade boys. Senior KaLeigh Underwood coordinates the book club at Upper Tygart.
“Reading with children helps increase their interest and desire in reading because the younger students look up to the older ones,” said Lee. “The younger kids look forward to the reading program every week.”
Underwood began the book club at Upper Tygart last year as part of her scholarship application for the Governor's Scholar Program.
“The book club project was so well received and kids wanted to be a part of it again and again, which is fantastic,” said Underwood.
Underwood admits she is a bit of a bookworm and has loved reading since she was a little girl.
“Some people don't like reading so the fact that in some small way, I could be influencing a student to feel positively about reading is all the reason I need to do it,” said Underwood. “The thought that one day when these kids get older they might look back and say … that is when I started liking to read, is why I love the book club so much.”
The team began organizing the project in October. They have hosted a book drive, gave out books at FaLaLaLa-LIFT, hosted Breakfast with Santa and read to the children that attended, and were a part of Family Reading Night at the Olive Hill Public Library. They have also recorded public service announcements about the importance of reading to children, and to inform the county of the benefits of using their public library.
They are planning a spring reading camp and more family reading nights.
Before leaving Olive Hill Elementary, Lee shared some wonderful news with the Journal-Times.
“One of the parents just said that her son had started working on his reading skills at home on his own and his grades have already showed improvement,” said Lee.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Senior Kyle Lee reads with third graders at Olive Hill Elementary. Jeremiah James, Aiden Slone and Kelston Dummit are enjoying "Superfudge," by Judy Blume as a part of a literacy program conducted by the West Carter High School Community Problem Solving Team. Photo by Shayla Menville
Academics in Action: Be a reader, Be a leader
West Carter High School Community Problem Solving Team
- Local News
-
-
Judge-executive drops jail bombshell
Carter Judge-Executive Charles Wallace unleashed a firestorm of controversy at Tuesday’s meeting of Carter Fiscal Court. Wallace brought forth county ordinances 202 and 203, both of which could have serious ramifications on the operation of the Carter County Detention Center, as well as the office of county jailer.
-
Grand jury indicts 14
David White, Sr., 69, of Morehead, was indicted April 27 on three felony sex charges. White faces one charge of first degree sexual abuse, a Class C felony, for having sexual contact with a person under 12 years of age.
-
Going to the dogs: K-9 unit joins Carter County sheriff’s office
The Carter County Sheriff’s Department has two new deputies but only one of them can talk. Last week, Judge Rupert Wilhoit swore in Deputy Todd Collier and his K-9, Toccoa.
-
Grayson Council talks streets
Grayson City Council once again found itself back on the topic of streets during this month’s meeting. The city currently is considering its options regarding an alley connected to Carol Malone Boulevard near College Street.
-
Four post offices may reduce window hours
Only two Carter County post offices were on the original list of 3,700 being considered for closure by the U. S. Postal Service (USPS), but as many as four may see a reduction of their window service hours. The USPS announced last week that post offices at Grahn, Hitchins, Soldier and Willard could have their weekday window hours reduced as a cost-saving measure.
-
Fatal crash closes east I-64 in Rowan County
One person was killed and two others were injured Sunday afternoon in an auto and semi-truck collision in Rowan County that closed eastbound I-64 at the 131 mile marker.
Kentucky State Police detoured traffic onto KY 801 at exit 133 for connection with US 60 at Farmers.
-
KDMC offering free physicals to student athletes
King’s Daughters Medical Center will offer sports physicals to student athletes and cheerleaders in grades 7-12, beginning at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 31, at King’s Daughters Medical Specialties, 609 N. Carol Malone Blvd., Grayson.
-
Video: President Obama endorses same-sex marriage
A day after an amendment banning gay marriage passed in North Carolina, President Barack Obama tells ABC News that he believes same-sex couples should be able to get married.
-
Grayson Chamber discusses Walmart
The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce held a special meeting Thursday to discuss the potential impact a Walmart Supercenter could have on local businesses.
-
Couple charged with criminal abuse
A Grayson couple has been charged with first degree criminal abuse after their child was found naked in the street.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Judge-executive drops jail bombshell
