Falkner Elementary Summer Reading Camp
Falkner Elementary received a three-year reading grant from MDE in 2019-2020. Year one was a traditional, face-to-face camp. Year two had to be modified due to COVID-19. Some of the challenges of providing a virtual reading camp were limited internet access in rural communities, trying to bridge the instructional gap left by a shortened school year, and having to learn how to navigate virtual learning for a staff that had not previously utilized that platform.
Packets
Staff met to pack binders and packets for students. A pick up day was held for parents to drive through and get the packets which contained manipulatives used in our phonics program, decodable readers, white boards and markers, and other supplies they would need. Binders included materials that were used throughout the camp such as reading passages, syllabication forms, etc. Binders and packets were differentiated according to grade level and category (remediation or enrichment). Students were allowed to check out computers from the school for use at home.
Remediation
The remediation sessions focused on the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students received almost two hours of targeted instruction focusing on deficit area skills where students were given numerous opportunities to participate in hands-on activities allowing them to draw or make various things. The students were assessed weekly with DIBELS and Michael Heggerty PA assessments to determine baseline data and to measure their progress.
Enrichment
The enrichment sessions provided 30 minutes of grade level instruction and 30 minutes of art and music. Each student who participated received all supplies and materials needed prior to camp. These sessions were offered to any student who wanted to participate and was above the 25th percentile.
Progress Monitoring
A bus was staffed with two teachers who went to the homes of students who were participating virtually. Students were able to sit (socially distanced) at a table put on the bus and participate in progress monitoring to assess their growth throughout the reading camp. Accelerated Reader books were in leveled bins on the bus so that virtual students could check out books weekly.