Students across the district are Zooming into an amazing opportunity for language learning

The  International Transition Center (ITC) extends learning into students’ homes through the “Read with Me” initiative. “Read with Me” motivates students to continue practicing English outside of school hours by inviting them to observe one of their teachers reading a story aloud via Zoom. The teacher then asks the students questions about the story.

What was originally planned as a learning opportunity for high school students quickly became a family affair as younger siblings and parents joined ITC students in the virtual Zoom activity. As a result, the whole family practices English and learns together. “The program is successful because it is accessible from home and available to everyone, which is directly in line with our Blueprint’s pillar of Equity,” says Steve Frandsen, ITC’s principal.

Students participating in a “Read with Me” session receive a copy of the books to continue practicing at home. “The coolest part is that the students are receiving their free books in front of their peers, which encourages and motivates others to participate as well,” says Mr. Frandsen.“This program ensures that our students have equitable access to resources and learning opportunities at home. Sometimes, these are the very first books in English our students and their families have ever had.”

In just three months, participating students have received 48 books written in English. The texts support Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards and specifically what students are learning in ITC courses. The books also support Social Emotional Learning (SEL). “Read with Me” has the added perk of introducing students to titles, characters, and storylines familiar to American readers, helping them to assimilate and better acclimate themselves.

Reading books in English allows students to see grammatically correct sentences in context. This can serve as a model for their own writing, and support the development of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation skills.

Since its launch in November 2022, the program has offered 34 Zoom reading sessions hosted by five different teachers. The sessions are scheduled between 4 and 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Videos of previous sessions will be available this spring for any student to view on-demand. “Read With Me” promotes student achievement and ultimately engages students’ families. Other schools across the district have followed this successful example by starting their own “Read with Me” sessions.