Woodrow Wilson Elementary School event focuses on reading

 Today's Buffalo and WNY News from Metrowny.com

By Nicole Gawel

Woodrow Wilson Elementary School recently held the Read, Write and Share event where books ruled.

Earlier in the school year, Andrea Galenski, principal at Woodrow Wilson, instated a literacy committee in order to gain ideas to be utilized during the inaugural event. It took months to finally bring the event to fruition.

“We knew that the day was going to be centered around literacy and we wanted to be sure that every activity that the children were involved in focused on reading, writing and presenting,” said Galenski.

Each grade level participated and the teachers put their students in groups.

Each group had a few weeks to plan on how they were going to present a book of their choosing to their teachers, family and classmates. Selena Soler, Stuart Mcleod, Bethanie Johns and Caitlin Cork, all third graders in Michelle Struzik’s classroom, explained the process.

Each group was able to select a book that they were already familiar with, and choose the method that they would present it, in the style of book in a bag, script it out, or a PowerPoint presentation.

“We wanted this learning experience to be rich and valuable so we emphasized the importance of using authentic literature,” said Galenski. “Every presentation was based on literature and how that literature could be brought to life through the presentation styles.”

Elizabeth Biro, Christina DiJoseph and Gregory Schulz, reading specialists at the school, created the three presentation styles that students could choose from.

“The presentation expectations became more sophisticated in the higher grade levels,” said Galenski.

“For example, the script it out in grade 5 allowed students the opportunity to create a newscast, or talk show. We really tailored the presentation options to each grade level so that they were age appropriate. The group work was non-negotiable because we wanted to give students the opportunity to work in groups, which is a lifelong skill that they need to have.”

In addition to children presenting various pieces of literature to their parents, they also had the opportunity to attend a book fair in the school’s gymnasium following the day’s presentations.

The Scholastic Book Fair truly was a carnival offering musical chairs with the prize being a book, face painting, coloring, a chance to purchase books and reading supplies, a place to take a picture on the reading coaster scenic background, made by the school’s art teacher, and enormous red and white striped containers complete with golden balloons serving as giant popcorn.

“We wanted the entire day to be focused on literacy, so we created a literacy environment in the gym,” said Galenski.

The school librarian, Jessica Stokes, along with the assistance of the publicity committee made the carnival inspired book fair possible.

“The most important part of the day for me was the incredible number of parents and guests that attended this event,” said Galenski.
“It was heartwarming to see so many parents walking through the hallways of our school and participating in the gymnasium activities and watching the students perform in the classrooms.

They say that the more students see their parents connected to school, the better that they do in school and the more that they care about the quality of work that they produce. The students were so proud of their accomplishments, which made them truly excited about sharing it with others, especially their families. I was so grateful for the support that we received yesterday and as I told students that morning, I am so proud of each and every one of them.”