Parliament Students Team with UMASS Athletes
As part of their Reader's Notebooks writing assignment, the 4th Graders at Parliament Place have teamed up with student athletes from the UMASS Athletic Department. They have written letters to the Women's and Men's Lacrosse Teams and the Field Hockey Team telling them all about the books they are reading in school. The students wrote about parts of their book learned during their mini lessons each morning such as character traits, setting and plot, alliteration, literary elements and devices, main idea, and other target areas.
The children were able to ask the student-athletes what their favorite books were and how reading helps them to be better students. They also included questions about each player and their accomplishments on and off the field. The teachers then taught the children how to address an envelope, and the letters were all sent to each teams coach. They waited patiently for their letters to be answered and were delighted to read all about their very own pen pal. Many of the UMASS Athletes visited the 4th graders during their break and read parts of their favorite books to them and answered questions. Overall, it was a wonderful addition to the school’s Guided Reading Program and an excellent experience for the students from Parliament Place and UMASS.
