Lisa Martin’s kindergarten students at Westside Elementary are discovering the power of words, thanks to a special grant funded by the Demopolis City School Foundation. Mrs. Martin believes that her students should all understand “the connection between the spoken, written, and read word," giving young learners a meaningful, hands-on literacy experience.
Several years ago, the foundation awarded kindergarten teachers a grant to transform their classrooms into “bat caves.” Teachers are still using that project to help students learn a variety of facts about bats and use that knowledge to write informative sentences. This experience allows them to apply many of the concepts and skills they learn in kindergarten, including speaking, listening, writing, and reading for understanding.
After composing and illustrating their sentences, the students’ work was uploaded and sent to a publishing company. The result was a professionally bound book featuring each child’s own writing and artwork. During a special sharing time, students proudly read the sentences they contributed to the class book.
Students read their book today for parents and special guests, then copies of the published book were presented to representatives of the Demopolis City School Foundation and Westside Elementary. Honorees included Margaret Anne Gilchrist from the Demopolis City School Foundation, Westside Elementary librarian Andrea Johnson, principal Brandi Smith, and assistant principal Kristin Phillips. The project not only celebrated student achievement but also highlighted the lasting impact of community support for early literacy. Congratulations, Mrs. Martin’s class! DCS is so proud of you!
Check out the link below for a gallery of pictures: