In a cozy corner that mimics a forest, students in Jamie McElhiney’s Summit Academy Elementary School – Columbus classroom nourish their minds and imaginations as they read riches from authors like E.B. White and Shel Silverstein. This is a place where second and third graders are growing as authors themselves, composing their own book titled, “A Fun Day with the Animals from A to Z!”
For the book, which will be published by Studentreasures Publishing, the class voted on an animal theme earlier this month. Students then selected two to three letters from the alphabet. Next, McElhiney identified two types of animals whose first letter of spelling correspond with each letter.
“I chose several animals that they never heard of … and they chose from those animals by their photos,” McElhiney explained, pointing out the yellow-eyed penguin as an example of a species unfamiliar to most of the youngsters.
Third-grader Olivia expressed her interest in the topic of animals well before it was selected. “I might want to write about sharks … because it can be cool and I can learn how they live in the ocean,” she said.
As they conduct research about specific animals, the students are learning about their habitats, diets and distinctive characteristics, explained McElhiney. The children will compose their findings into written descriptions about the animals and create illustrations of them as well.
The entire process, which will take up to six weeks, is reinforcing essential writing skills, including brainstorming, drafting, revising and proofreading, according to McElhiney.
“By engaging in research and structured writing, students gain experience with foundational literacy skills applicable to reports, essays and creative writing,” explained McElhiney, who is also guiding her students through proofreading to enhance their editing and revision skills.
As reading and writing go hand-in-hand, McElhiney said the project is enriching her students’ reading experience by integrating science-based literacy learning. It is also sparking students’ interest and growth in fundamental learning and communication skills.
“It has been inspiring to see the students deeply engaged in this project. This interactive approach to writing makes learning fun and fosters enthusiasm for storytelling,” McElhiney said. “The students are eager to see their hard work come to life in the final published book.”
Thanks to a designated donation by Summit Academy Management CEO John Guyer, through the Summit Educational Foundation, each student will receive a copy of the printed-and-bound book.