CCISD students, teachers crow over summer reading camp

By WENDY SLEDD Special to Leader-Press “’Always chicken  feed! Day after day--year after year--I’m sick of it!’ squawked Big Brown Rooster in the book by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel. But, students in CCISD’s summerreading camp got something much sweeter the final week of the session thanks to the ingenuity of the rooster and a handful of teachers who were generous in giving up some of their summer vacation. CCISD second grade students ended summer reading camp making strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream. Various books were read and fun, learning games were played throughout camp to help develop reading skills. The camp, taught by Holly Prax, Stacie Golden and Amy Carlson, wanted the students to see how much fun reading can be. “Our focus during reading camp was to build comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary,” Carlson said. “We read various books throughout the week with one book leading up to a special project.” The final book of the session, Cook-a-Doodle- Doo!, was a spin on the ori  nal Little Red Hen story as was each book read by the students each week. Cooking with a different recipe each week making their own salsa, strawberry shortcake and pizza, students were also given hands-on learning activities to help build experiences and incorporate fun. “Students’ reading levels improved as did their ability to decode words,” Prax said. “With the smaller student-teacher ratio, individualized instruction afforded teachers the opportunity to target specific skills. Teachers were able to differentiate for students based on data collected at the beginning of camp.” “Reading camp has been so much fun for the kids and adults. We were able to take a hands on approach  that excited all of us,” Prax said. “All of these students have worked hard and participated enthusiastically. These students have developed a love for reading and improved self-confidence. “While these students gave up some of their summer vacation plans, they expressed no regrets. One of the greatest achievements through  summer r eading camp was improved self-confidence.Some students began camp  with a bit of reluctance to read aloud or volunteer an answer. Throughout this  last week students were jumping to read and answer questions. What a gratifying experience it was for the teachers as well as they watched these students grow.” “One of our goals from this summer reading camp is to see CCISD offer these camps again and be able to open the camps up to more students. We have watched these students excel in so many areas which is showing in their reading abilities,” Prax said.