Susan Brown, critical friend in Dalton, ran across a website she found very interesting and would like to pass it along. She reports the research section on effective instruction in grades 1-4 was especially intriguing. Take a look!
http://cela.albany.edu

Threadgill Elementary, Greenwood, Mississippi

In the Tradition of the Storyteller
By Janie Haddon

Art by Sister Mary Bertoli
Tutwiler, Mississippi

Storytelling has long been a Mississippi Delta tradition and it is being cultivated at Threadgill Elementary by Neva Teague, our Parent Center Director. Our parents in collaboration with the Senior Citizen Center are developing a team of storytellers that visit our classrooms for "storytelling crafting sessions". We are having Storytelling Workshops for the volunteers. Recently the volunteers met with Lu Lewis during the coaches' video conference time. The Storytelling Team has plans to video with Lu in the future to enhance their skills in the art of storytelling. Thanks to Neva Teague for coordinating this effort and making our Parent Center such an exciting addition to our school.

   

Watkins Elementary, Jackson, Mississippi

On a Reading Wave
by Mamie Crockett

Dr. Watkins (the school's namesake) spoke recently at Watkins Elementary's super PTA meeting. Twenty-five parents attended last year, but this year over 100 attended! Breakout sessions followed the opening speech, and each session was packed. All promoted reading and general development of literacy with topics like: "Bridging the Gap Through Literacy at Home" (presented by our 3rd grade teachers), "Class from the Kitchen: Parents Teaching Literacy at Home" (Mamie Crockett, Watkins' Instructional Specialist), and "Getting Involved; Staying Involved" (Dr. Jether Clay, former JPS Asst. Supt. For Elementary Schools). This great parent night, spliced with door prizes, ended with parents, faculty and staff sharing a spaghetti dinner. What a success.