After-School Project Spotlight - February 2021
Teacher
Lisa Cena
School
Escalante Elementary School
Grade Levels Served
K-6
District
Salt Lake City
What made you want to begin this after-school project?
Last year Dry Creek helped me create a very successful after-school program call 'Battling Books and Boxes' The students came in after school and read books together and then did a 'break-out-box' to answer questions about the book, unlock the boxes lock, and find a treat inside. I wished I could do this again! But - Covid hit! The students are spending so much time in front of the computers. I wanted to give them an opportunity to hold a printed book and be able to read it and share it with a friend. I knew some would need to be shared through Zoom and others when they returned to school. But my main focus was getting BOOKS into Students Hands to READ & SHARE! I believe reading is the most important skill in education.
What does an average day look like in your after-school project?
I have logged onto Zoom with students to talk about books they are sharing and reading. The first group I connected with was the Battle of the Books team for our school. The team members have a copy of each of the books they are required to read. We coordinate a time that works with their schedules and have Zoom meetings to discuss the books. I had students choose a book when they came into pick up school materials from their teachers. I have a list of students and the book they chose, and I am currently working on connecting the students who chose the same book to read. I am currently arranging new book groups with in-person learning. They are receiving their books at school and groups are currently being formed. As "on-line/in-person" learning is flexible right now I am still in the process of coordinating times and ways for students to connect. I also work with the 'After School Program.' We discuss books during their 'After School Class Time'
How do the students like the project so far?
Students LOVE receiving the books! Even holding up the same books on Zoom brings a friendship, a connection to other students during remote learning when things feel so isolated and impersonal. The Battle of the Books team is working remotely on Zoom to discuss the books to prepare for the district competition. There is a camaraderie among these remote students as it gives them a social and literary purpose to meet together. Escalante is a school of diversity. Many families are immigrants living below the poverty line. To take a brand new book to their home to read together as a family in the evenings is a gift in and of itself. They are so grateful and so appreciative of the gift of a book; but especially that it helps connect their children to other students at the school who have read the same book. In this isolated quarantined world - to have something to share with others is priceless.
Anything else you would like to add about how your project is going?
This is a work in progress. Locating the funding account took a little more time than last year because of Covid. I was able to place a large order for the books just before the holidays. The books came in January and February is when our entire school returned to in-person learning. Students are very innovative and they share ideas with me of how they want to share the books as close to last year’s after-school book club as they can. I feel the project has been a great success already - but I feel we are on the threshold of expanding and enlivening this project to its full potential in the next few months. - Depending on Zoom accounts, Covid guidelines, etc. - I might even be able to extend this after-school book club into the summer months. Also - one last thing I am so thankful for. These students struggle with learning and reading. To be able to place great, award-winning books into their hands creates a desire for them to read on their own. It will help to keep their reading skills up, improve reading, and inspire them to be readers. I cannot thank you enough for these books and what it is doing for these children. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!