Library time
The Campus Library has been actively involved with The Reading Academy (TRA) since 2010. This year IU East hosted 120 students in grades 2 and 3. They received intensive reading enrichment from teachers and learning assistants from the Richmond Community Schools, and participated in numerous special activities offered by IU East staff, faculty and students. This engaging reading program is funded and administered by Every Child Can Read.
Perhaps the best part of TRA for the library team is – no surprise – their library visits to select books. So many students rushed to the juvenile bookstacks, eager to browse and discover books that interested them. There was lots of reading independently and also many eager to share what they were learning. Comments overheard included “look at this!” and “wow, did you know that….?”
Mrs. Robeson’s students shared some thoughts about books, reading, and time spent in the Campus Library. Amillia wisely noted, “Every time I read I get better and better,” Ana “really enjoyed reading about butterflies and all the different books in the library,” and Jayce enthused, “When I read I like it because it feels like I am in a book.”
From Mrs. Cooper’s class, Cashis shared his appreciation for the Campus Library – “I like this library because no library has been this nice to me before. It feels like a family.” Braxton likes the activities we did in the library, such as yoga and a spider dance. Kian enjoyed reading chapter books and Jacob appreciated that “There are different kinds of books.” For Daisy, a big appeal of the Campus Library is that “there are Spanish books and we make crafts.”
Creative arts
For TRA 2023, we had the creative and hard-working assistance of new student staff library team member Makena Elmore. Makena prepared numerous samples, including a “lifecycle in the stomach” frog, puzzle picture frame, and raccoon mask. We were delighted with the unique results of each student’s project. Whether it be a cyclops raccoon, weaving with ribbons, yarn wrapping, a paper bag bee, or a gorilla with moveable arms, students enjoyed connecting reading with a variety of hands-on arts activities.
Science
IU East science faculty, staff, and students have been enthusiastic providers of interactive science learning for TRA students for several years. We value their commitment to campus engagement with youth. Thanks to science faculty Jill Schweitzer and Wes Tobin, staff Jenilee Braun and Heatherlynn Barrett, and students Grace Cull, Mason Pruitt, and Kayla Miles for their support of science for all ages.
Special programs: Dinosaurs, TV, Yoga, and more
Whitewater Community Television (WCTV) is always supportive of engaging youth with the wonders of tv production, and their green screen dance routine and other creative interactions is always popular with the students. Thank you to Steve Bahnweg, Ryan Harris and Eric Marsh.
Other special learning adventures included a virtual visit with paleontologist Dr. Chris Griffin, a dinosaur hunt with Carla Griffin, yoga with Amber Hall, bingo with Yemi Mahoney, and board games with faculty Carrie Mier.
We appreciate the Campus Library team for always being ready for anything involving TRA, and sharing their special knowledge and talents. Thanks to Matt Dilworth, Makena Elmore, KT Lowe, Beth South, Jesse Whitton and Frances Yates.
Onward for education
We had a wonderful month of learning adventures, from Physics Fun and Particle Power, animal bingo, and Birds of the World, to science experiments, board games, and safari animal crafts.TRA 2023 program highlights are featured in The Reading Academy resource guide. Highlights from some past programs have been featured in library blogs in 2015, 2017, 2018. We’ll miss The Reading Academy Students. Keep on Reading, and hope to see you as future IU East students!