Literacy Role Models

Objective: to create posters of staff and faculty so the students at Leighton can make connections to all the adults in the building through literacy and learning.

1. Students would write letters to staff and faculty inviting them to participate in our literacy and character education poster display.
2. Students would then request each participant pick a book or something they have read that they made a connection with, or a book they are currently enjoying.
3. Students would then set up an appointment with each participant and take a picture of them with their book. Each pariticpant will pick the destination of where they may enjoy reading; for example, in a rocking chair, or under a tree, in an over stuffed chair to name a few!
4. Once the pictures are taken the adult would come up with inspirational words, or a catchy phrase to attach on the poster promotiong literacy.
5. Students would then download the pictures and we would add the phrases to make the posters. What is inspirational about the students doing this particular project is that the students have seen the posters of Tiger Woods or Derek Jeter reading, and these are awesome too, but the students see and connect to the secretaries, the custodians, teacher aides, kitchen staff, etc... on a daily basis and who better to role model after than those who they see and interact with everyday.
6. The posters would then be displayed in all areas of the school.
7. I would then set up a mailbox in a central location where the students of Leighton Elementary could write to each participant and ask literary questions about the particular book they are reading. What is their favorite part? Where does the story take place? Would they recommend it to someone else to read? To many questions to list, but the possibilites are endless.
8. This would take place all year long. The students and participants are now making connections to reading and working not only on social skills, and literacy, but developing a sense of community.