English
Español
¿Por qué no se ha traducido esta página?

Search Staff DirectoryBúsqueda en el Directorio del Personal

Home

Fostering Community Through Reading: A Sixth Grade and Kindergarten Collaboration

English|Español

Kate DeCamillo, an acclaimed American children’s author known for Because of Winn-Dixie and The Tiger Rising, once said, When we read together, we connect. Together, we see the world. Together, we see one another.”

This sentiment happened during a recent inspiring literacy collaboration between sixth graders at Holmes Junior High and kindergarten students at Forest View Elementary School. The two schools, located just across the way from each other, collaborated to foster connection and creativity through the power of storytelling.

This story begins with Mrs. Hernandez and Mrs. Knapp, sixth-grade Advanced English Language Arts (AELA) teachers at Holmes Junior High, who guided their classes through a novel study of The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden. The book tells the story of a seventh grader on a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment, exploring themes of safety, love, and reflection.

After completing the study, the sixth graders were tasked to write their own stories, inspired by the same themes— they were called ‘Goodnight’ stories.

“Writing stories allows students to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas creatively,” said Mrs. Knapp. “It encourages imagination and helps them develop their unique voice.”

The sixth graders’ ability to express their thoughts and creativity reached new heights when they read their stories to a group of kindergarten students at Forest View Elementary. The collaboration created meaningful interactions between the older and younger students, enhancing their social skills and understanding of each other’s perspectives.

“My favorite part about writing my story was being able to use my imagination and create a story that can provide joy for the kids,” Oliver, a sixth-grade student said.

Liam, another student in Mrs. Hernandez’s class added, “My favorite part about writing my story is knowing I will have these tiny kids that look up to me be able to share the same amount of joy I had while writing my story.”

The collaboration was equally rewarding for teachers, who enjoyed witnessing their students’ unique interpretations and ideas. The experience not only allowed students to learn the power of storytelling but how it can build connections.

“Storytelling improves writing and verbal communication skills while also allowing students to learn how to convey ideas effectively and engage an audience,” Mrs. Knapp said. “The experience was not only enriching for the students but also strengthened our school community as we worked together toward a common goal.”

As all of our students continue to read, write, and connect, we look forward to more partnerships that inspire our students to read together, and see the world—and each other—in new and meaningful ways.

  • DSC 3271
    CCSD59 and Elk Grove Township Partner to Support Newcomer StudentsCCSD59 y el municipio de Elk Grove se asocian para apoyar a los estudiantes recién llegados

    CCSD59 and Elk Grove Township Partner to Support Newcomer StudentsCCSD59 y el municipio de Elk Grove se asocian para apoyar a los estudiantes recién llegados

    Each year, CCSD59 welcomes a diverse group of students from around the world, further enriching our classrooms and district as a whole with a global…Cada año, CCSD59 da la bienvenida a un grupo diverso de estudiantes de todo el mundo, enriqueciendo aún más nuestros salones y el distrito en…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo
  • IMG 0149
    PHOTOS: Winter Performances Across CCSD59FOTOS: Actuaciones de invierno en CCSD59

    PHOTOS: Winter Performances Across CCSD59FOTOS: Actuaciones de invierno en CCSD59

    The winter season brings many things - the holidays, colder weather, a new year, and, of course, incredible performances from students across our CCSD59 schools.…La temporada de invierno trae muchas cosas: días festivos, un clima más frío, un año nuevo y, por supuesto, actuaciones increíbles de los estudiantes de…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo
  • Award Winners
    Three CCSD59 Staff Receive Incredible Award RecognitionsTres empleadas de CCSD59 reciben premios increíbles

    Three CCSD59 Staff Receive Incredible Award RecognitionsTres empleadas de CCSD59 reciben premios increíbles

    As we approach the end of the first half of the 2024-25 school year, CCSD59 is proud to celebrate three exceptional staff members who have…A medida que nos acercamos al final de la primera mitad del año escolar 2024-25, CCSD59 se enorgullece de celebrar a tres miembros excepcionales del…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo
  • Board Update Thumbnail New
    Board Update 12/11/2024Actualización de la junta 12/11/2024

    Board Update 12/11/2024Actualización de la junta 12/11/2024

    Agenda    Board recognition/presentations  Agenda Item 3.0 Community Outreach Presentations - 3.01 The District honored the Community Outreach team for their continued hard work and…Reconocimientos/Presentaciones de la Junta Asunto de la agenda 3.0 Presentaciones de extensión comunitaria - 3.01 El Distrito honró al equipo de Alcance Comunitario por su…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo
  • image2
    CCSD59 Students Help Shape New School Lunch Menus Los estudiantes de CCSD59 ayudan a preparar los nuevos menús de almuerzos escolares

    CCSD59 Students Help Shape New School Lunch Menus Los estudiantes de CCSD59 ayudan a preparar los nuevos menús de almuerzos escolares

    Students across CCSD59 are helping cook up some exciting changes to school meals. In collaboration with the district’s School Nutrition Department and its Food Service…Los estudiantes de CCSD59 están ayudando a preparar algunos cambios interesantes en las comidas escolares. En colaboración con el departamento de nutrición escolar del distrito…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo
  • Board Update Thumbnail New
    Board Update 11/13/2024Actualización de la junta 11/13/2024

    Board Update 11/13/2024Actualización de la junta 11/13/2024

    Agenda    Superintendent reports  Agenda Item 5.0 IL School Report Card Presentation - 5.01  The Illinois School Report Card presentation showcased incredible milestones and achievements…Informes del Superintendente Asunto de la agenda 5.0 Presentación de las boletas de calificaciones de la escuela de IL - 5.01 La presentación del Informe…

    Continue ReadingSiga Leyendo