2008 Woodie Awards
Reading Room opens new doors
Anne Marie Bary ; Mass Communication Student
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: News
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Walking into the main room of the Saturday School is like stepping into an African jungle. Murals of green jungle scenes jump out at every visitor, evoking visions of lions, tigers, and bears. This room, in the College of Education building, is all about fun. Disabled children-- along with their parents, siblings, and friends-- gather on Saturdays for activities that educate, socialize and entertain.
Students, graduate assistants and volunteers run Saturday School. Funding comes from state budgets and student fees. It is free to disabled children and their families, and ISU education majors can participate for their curriculum requirements.
Despite the playful atmosphere, this is a classroom that is complete…almost. Something is missing among the cubbyholes, posters, and toys that crowd the room. That "something" is a dedicated reading area. That is why the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Kappa Delta Pi honor society (KDP), and Children's Literature students are now working to add a small reading area to the Saturday School space.
These students are involved because they believe in the project's goals. Also, the Children's Literature curriculum includes organizing reading centers, and the KDP decided to make the Saturday School reading room its annual service project. "We started the project this fall,' said Dr. David Squires, KDP advisor and Children's Lit professor. "Dr. Stephanie Petersen approached me about doing a reading center before the semester started. She asked me if I wanted to be involved."
Groups of students have already drawn plans and concepts for the reading room. The three proposed plans are a tree house, a Tiki hut, or a jungle loft, keeping with the mural decor. The KDP and CEC students will separately vote on their favorite plan, and then CEC will make the final decision.
Even with the efforts of students, faculty and organizations, the reading room faces an uphill road before becoming a reality. Plans must be sent to, and approved by, committees of the College of Education, and they must meet building codes. Still unclear is who will build it, when, and the total cost. "Approval is going to be hard to get. It's a long process to get approval from the Dean," explained Angela Bailey, head Saturday School teacher. The CEC and KDP are now raising funds with various events, including weekly lunches and donations (SEE SIDEBAR). But Squires remains enthusiastic.
Students, graduate assistants and volunteers run Saturday School. Funding comes from state budgets and student fees. It is free to disabled children and their families, and ISU education majors can participate for their curriculum requirements.
Despite the playful atmosphere, this is a classroom that is complete…almost. Something is missing among the cubbyholes, posters, and toys that crowd the room. That "something" is a dedicated reading area. That is why the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Kappa Delta Pi honor society (KDP), and Children's Literature students are now working to add a small reading area to the Saturday School space.
These students are involved because they believe in the project's goals. Also, the Children's Literature curriculum includes organizing reading centers, and the KDP decided to make the Saturday School reading room its annual service project. "We started the project this fall,' said Dr. David Squires, KDP advisor and Children's Lit professor. "Dr. Stephanie Petersen approached me about doing a reading center before the semester started. She asked me if I wanted to be involved."
Groups of students have already drawn plans and concepts for the reading room. The three proposed plans are a tree house, a Tiki hut, or a jungle loft, keeping with the mural decor. The KDP and CEC students will separately vote on their favorite plan, and then CEC will make the final decision.
Even with the efforts of students, faculty and organizations, the reading room faces an uphill road before becoming a reality. Plans must be sent to, and approved by, committees of the College of Education, and they must meet building codes. Still unclear is who will build it, when, and the total cost. "Approval is going to be hard to get. It's a long process to get approval from the Dean," explained Angela Bailey, head Saturday School teacher. The CEC and KDP are now raising funds with various events, including weekly lunches and donations (SEE SIDEBAR). But Squires remains enthusiastic.
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