Over and above.
About 100 Grade 7 students at Skaha Lake Middle School exceeded their instructors’ expectations at the first-ever Reading Expo at the school.
“Students were given criteria as to what had to be on the board, but many exhibits went above and beyond expectations by including models, appropriate props, and dressing in costume for one of the main characters in their books,” said expo co-ordinator Nikki Johnson. “Grade 7 students participated in this event, where they had to create a trifold board focused on a novel that they chose in English language arts.”
In addition to the students from Skaha, several classes from Parkway and West Bench elementary school came to see what their seniors had done for the event.
“Community members, parents, school board staff, school administration and school trustees were also on hand to celebrate the hard work and student leadership that was overly abundant in the school gymnasium,” said Johnson. “One part of Skaha Lake Middle School’s vision statement is to create a community where all stakeholders are welcome and contribute to our learning environment.
“Learners are supported to develop necessary skills that are required to work collaboratively and independently.” On Friday, students had a unique and diverse opportunity to take pride in their own work and to practice authentic communication with people whom they were not familiar with.”
She added communication, critical and creative thinking and personal and social skills were all heavily targeted in the students’ abilities to showcase growth in their own learning.
First place in the exhibit category was Vanessa Cliffe for her work of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Second was Elena Collins for The Secret Garden and third was Troy Cliffe for Fast Break.
Taylor Dell had the best props (Lord of the Rings) and Katie Drobe had best costume (Watership Down).
Johnson expressed her appreciation to the Penticton Public Library for hosting a station and showing the students new technologies for use in upcoming programs.
