By LARRY WOOD
The Aiken Standard
WARRENVILLE — Attending a reading camp this summer could spell improvements in literacy for some elementary school students in the classroom this fall.
For the second year, the Aiken County Public School District is offering the program to help rising third- and fourth-graders polish their reading skills during summer vacation at three sites, Warrenville, Clearwater and J.D. Lever elementary schools. The program’s goal is to bring the young readers up to grade level.
“We’re doing lots and lots of reading and writing,” said Beth Bartlett, who teaches third grade at Aiken Elementary and is the lead teacher at the Warrenville camp. “We’re trying to make sure that all students are reading on grade level by the time they’re in third grade.”
Aiken County students hone literacy skills at summer reading camp - Aiken Standard
To help students achieve that goal, they rotate through four classes, each with a specific focus on reading, working with certified teachers and an aide each day during the six-week program.
During Lit Camp, students read aloud and receive individualized reading instruction based on their grade levels.
“The students are completely immersed in reading and language,” Bartlett said.
In the Brain Room, students bounce on yoga balls or pedal stationary bikes while they read.
“The purpose is to engage their brains while they’re reading,” Bartlett said. “Because some of them are so busy, they need activity. It keeps them from getting bored and helps them concentrate while they’re reading.”
Students also attend a writing class and spend an hour in the computer lab, working on a software program called Imagine Learning.
“The computer program is working very well,” Bartlett said. “We’ve seen a lot of student growth.”
The students also receive popular children’s books to take home to practice reading.
“They will get lots of books – about 12 titles each,” Bartlett said. “We try to give them lots of support and resources and books in their hands.”
Each day starts and ends with a camp cheer.
After working all morning, the students play games or go on field trips after lunch with volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club of Aiken.
“The students have fun and learn at the same time, and it makes attending the camp a little more enticing,” Bartlett said.
Reading on level by third grade sets the foundation for future student learning, Bartlett said.
“They say that through the third grade, students are learning to read, but in the fourth grade and beyond, they’re reading to learn,” she said.
Larry Wood covers education for the Aiken Standard.
Please visit www.aikenstandard.com