Weddington 704-243-5782
Summer break in UCPS may be in full swing , but learning hasn ’ t stopped for students at Wingate Elementary School ( WES ).
WES and Wingate University recently partnered to open the Wingates United Reading Center , a summer program that aimed to address literacy needs at the elementary school . The grantfunded academy provided academic support to 24 students in kindergarten to second grade , with a goal of increasing their reading ability by 15 percent by the end of the four-week academy . Classes , which started June 26 , were held Monday through Thursday during the weeks of July 10 , 17 and 24 .
“ It ’ s only the second day that we ’ ve done a structured lesson with the students and they ’ re already picking up things so quickly ,” said WES kindergarten teacher Jessica Slusarcyzk . “ Even using the same words as yesterday -- I think it ’ s starting to come together for them .”
Sitting in small groups with their students , the teachers used Orton-Gillingham – a multisensory approach to reading that uses sight , hearing , touch and movement -- to teach a variety of techniques that included everything from counting syllables to the proper way to tilt their paper when writing to naming nouns . The academy ’ s eight teachers – which included WES teachers and Wingate University education majors – participated in a week-long Orton- Gillingham training before the academy opened .
“ When the email went out , it piqued my interest because I ’ d heard of Orton-Gillingham but didn ’ t know that much about it ,” Jessica said . “ I wanted to learn different ways that I could break things down to students who may need a different approach to learning .”
There ’ s Something Here For Everyone !
Mineral Springs Fertilizer , Inc . ... More than JUST Fertilizer !
• Landscape Materials : Mulches , Top Soil , Wheat Straw
• Compost Bulk & Bagged • Vegetable Seeds • Fertilizers
• Chemicals • Organic Gardening & Supplies
• Wild Bird Feeders & Seed • Garden Flags & Giftware
• Purina Feeds • Animal Healthcare Products
• Bagged & Bulk Shavings • Alfalfa , Coastal & Fescue Hays
In The Heart of Mineral Springs Since 1957
704.843.2683
Wingates team up to produce better readers
Rising first-grader Aaron Haley said he enjoys being a part of the academy and hopes to become a better reader in the future .
“ Sometimes the work is hard and sometimes it ’ s easy , but my teacher is helping me to figure it out ,” Aaron said . “ I like learning my sight words so I can be a better reader . It ’ s going to help me every day .”
As the 2017-18 academic year gets underway , afterschool tutoring will be provided by WES teachers and Wingate University students . An assistant professor in Wingate ’ s Thayer School of Education will expand the partnership further by holding one of her classes at the elementary school this fall .
Teacher Heidi Bergs said she ’ s excited to be a part of the academy and looks forward to continuing to help provide the students with a stronger foundation in reading .
“ It ’ s important for the students to be able to break down words and put them back together . Because if they can get really strong in that , then they can have a really strong foundation in reading ,” Heidi said . “ The earlier that we can start this and the more that we can intervene with students who may be struggling – I just don ’ t see how this can ’ t benefit them and make them stronger readers .”
Wingate Elementary and Wingate University recently partnered to open the Wingates United Reading Center , a summer program that aims to address literacy needs at the elementary school .
— This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communications Office .
Weddington 704-243-5782
Subject Tutoring & Exam Prep www . huntingtonhelps . com / center / weddington
Parent Teacher Magazine • Sept / Oct 2017 • 9