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Teachers at Sunny View Elementary have been hard at work to create an experience for every student involving the whole child through their One School One Book project. 

 

Thanks to a grant from Polk County Community Foundation, kindergarten through fifth grade students were able to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies after reading Nim’s Island. 

 

The students participated in numerous activities connecting all learners through multiple learning styles at varied levels within each grade level and classroom setting. 

 

Students decorated their hallways to reflect the research projects each grade level was responsible for, genuinely making the book come alive for students.  

 

They participated in a contest for recall and comprehension, created graphic novels/comic strips relating to the story, and compared/contrasted the book/movie. They also participated in many STEM activities such as experimenting with coconuts and making rafts out of different types of materials.  

 

They ended the project with a family night full of activities enticing multiple senses and learning styles. Students made a jellyfish craft, created erupting volcanoes, and ate food representing and from the ocean (seaweed). They were also able to visit the Book Fair to encourage a love of reading.  

 

Turn out for the family night was amazing with 130 participants and 53 students. What an example of how learning together can be engaging and fun for all students at all levels!  

 

Submitted by Julie Wilson