Fifth and sixth graders at Traders Point Christian Academy they have created their own blog to review their favorite books for other kids.
The students created the blog as part of the school’s enrichment program called, “Eagle Up,” named after the school’s eagle mascot.
“Eagle up is a fifty-minute block of time that allows teachers to provide intervention, enrichment or stretch activities to address students’ varying levels of performance. Classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, co-curricular teachers, and special education/RTI staff work collaboratively to challenge each student to the next level,” said TPCA Elementary Principal Shane Schaffer.
The blog is the brainchild of Beth Herr, who works with fifth and sixth grade students on reading. Herr has coordinated several highly-successful reading contests at the school, including a recent first place finish in the State of Indiana in the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge.
The blog, called the Reading Eagles, at www.thereadingeagles.com, is designed to help challenge young readers by allowing them to write about books other kids might enjoy.
“Our reading blog is mostly meant for kids who want good books to read,” wrote Claire Akard. “Our blog helps kids find and read books that are appropriate and a good fit. I hope you think our blog fits all these requirements.”
Zionsville resident Will Jacob recently reviewed Elephant Run by Roland Smith, calling it an “awe-inspiring novel.”
“I loved this book for many reasons. First, the suspense of the situations is almost unbearable,” he said. But he cautions that it might not be appropriate everyone. “I would recommend this book to ages 11 and up. There are some gruesome scenes which could disturb younger readers.”
Families can learn more about Eagle up and other school programs designed to meet each child’s needs at the October 28 Parent Information Night at TPCA from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The school is located at 6600 South Indianapolis Road in Whitestown on the campus of Traders Point Christian Church. For more information, contact TPCA at [email protected] or 769-2450.
