More than two dozen first-grade students from Bardstown Primary School visited Nazareth campus on Friday, May 19, for a very special picnic. The students are part of a literacy program at their school and have worked hard this year to develop their reading skills using the Orton-Gillingham approach through the Insititute for Multisensory Education.
Many of the students started the year struggling to read. After sharing lunch on Friday, they proudly demonstrated their progress by reading several small books to the Sisters.
“These students have worked very hard,” said teacher Terra Reynolds. “They have practiced all year long, and they are so proud.”
Both the children and the Sisters were all smiles throughout the picnic. Many of the Sisters helped sound out words they were still learning or took turns reading a book to the kids. It was truly an engaging, educational and joyful activity for all involved.
Sister Dorothy Wilson, a former superintendent of schools who has seen the impact of reading on many children over the years, said she was impressed by the students’ efforts.
“This was like a miracle today,” she said with a big smile.
Before they left, the students were given small books to take home with them so they could continue practicing their reading over the summer break. The students also presented gifts to the Sisters — succulents in hand-painted pots — as a thank-you for hosting them for the afternoon.
Sister Marlene plays a game of Duck, Duck, Goose with the kids before lunch.
Wonderful effort by the kids and their teachers, who are changing lives daily. I hope all of them (students and teachers) get to read a bunch of books this summer!
This was a delight to read and enjoy. We teachers never get tired of helping children to improve.
I know the children enjoyed the day. Sr Marlene is ready for the 5K tomorrow!!!