Oakview Middle School students joined students and teachers in Lake Orion Elementary Schools in taking part in Literacy Day in April.
The service learning project stemmed from a unit of study that the eighth-graders at Oakview started in October, focusing on literacy and the freedom to learn to read.
Students were asked to write a proposal that promoted literacy in their community. After choices were narrowed down, students voted on a project they wanted to carry out.
The proposal with the most votes was an idea to travel to local elementary schools to read with young children to help promote reading and writing.
With the help of Mary Beth VanBuskirk and teachers Ms. Ciesliga’s and Ms. Scarborough’s classes, the students were able to make their proposal a reality.
Eighth-graders prepared booklets and practiced a Language Experience Story. Students were exposed to different children’s books, and practiced reading those as well.
On April 15, the students traveled to each of the participating elementary schools. They were paired up with elementary students and set to work: Reading books and writing stories.
The students visited classes at Webber, Blanche Sims, Pine Tree, Orion Oaks, Paint Creek and Carpenter Elementary Schools.