Smoot Elementary

Fridays at Smoot Elementary are much anticipated by both preschoolers and older grade students. Each Friday, students in grades 3-5 (on a rotation schedule) give up some of their recess time to come read to preschool students. This is on a voluntary basis, but the activity has been such a "hit", there is never a lack of students willing. It is only twenty minutes of their day, but it is a great time for learning for all involved. Older students reading to preschoolers practice fluency as well as emergent reading skills like tracking print, asking comprehension questions and pointing out the title, author and illustrator in the book. Preschool students really enjoy it too. It gives them a sense of connection and a literacy experience that is meaningful. Title I teacher Wendy Anderson began this program several years ago along with preschool teacher Cassie Shipe. They are so thankful to see it still going strong more than a decade later. while the older students get some extra reading practice in to help boast their confidence.