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    ESOL Backpack Reading Program

     

     

    In January 2004, we launched our first ever Backpack Reading Program. This program is geared towards our kindergarteners. It consists of 26 backpacks, one for each letter of the alphabet. In each backpack, there are a variety of learning materials such as alphabet books in English and Spanish, story books in English and Spanish, picture cards, number puzzle, writing journal, alphabet bingo, decodable books, etc.The purpose of this program is to improve the home-school connection. Each student checks out a backpack every week. At home, parents are to use the materials with their child such as reading together, playing alphabet bingo, writing together, etc. Students and parents participated in this program until May 2004. Generally, parents stated that the program was useful and successful. Below is the questionaire we sent home to elicit feedback from 10 parents:

    ESOL Backpack Reading Program

    Evaluation of Materials

    1. How was the reading level of the books for your child?

    _____The reading level was just right.
    _____The reading level was too difficult.
    _____The reading level was too easy.

    2. Did you read to your child using the books in the backpack?

    _____yes _____no _____sometimes

    3. How useful were the items in the backpack?

    1=not useful 2=somewhat useful 3=very useful

    ______small English and Spanish story books
    ______English alphabet book
    ______Spanish alphabet books
    ______alphabet bingo game
    ______wooden owl number puzzle
    ______rubber stamps
    ______puzzle cards
    ______picture/photo cards
    ______Draw and Write journal

    4. Was this reading program helpful with teaching your child at home?

    ______yes ______no ______somewhat

    5. Would you recommend this program to other parents?

    ______yes ______no

    6. Comments/suggestions: ______________________________________

    ESOL Programa de Bolsas Lecturas
    Evaluación de los materiales

    1. ¿Como era el nivel lectura de los libros para su hijo?
    ___ el nivel era bueno

    ___ el nivel era tan difícil

    ___ el nivel era tan fácil

    2. ¿Leyó a su hijo con los libros en las bolsas?
    ____ sí ____ no ___ algunos veces

    3.¿Como útil eran los materiales?
    3 = mucho útil
    2 = mas o menos útil
    1 = no útil

    ___ Los libros cuentos pequeños en ingles y español
    ___ Libros alfabéticos en ingles
    ___ Libros alfabéticos en español
    ___ Juego del alfabeto
    ___ Rompecabezas de madera
    ___ Estampita de goma
    ___ Rompecabezas tarjetas
    ___ Tarjetas con dibujos
    ___ Diario para dibujando y escribiendo

    4. ¿Fue el programa útil a enseñar su hijo en casa?
    ___ sí ___ no ___ mas o menos

    5. ¿Recomiende a los otros padres?
    ___ sí ___ no

    6. Comentarios/ Sugeridos ________________________

    Below are some comments made by parents about our Backpack Reading Program:

    "Muy bueno. Very good! Excellent. He came everyday excited about work with the backpack. He like bingo game and draw pictures in the book. He wanted to listen the stories. Thanks!"

    "First we would like to thank the teachers for their effort to make foreign children to learn English. It is hoped that more programs can be developed with many scales so the children can choose their favorites."

    "Fue bueno por que mi hijo algunas veces el lo agarraba solo le gustaba."

    "Es bueno. Asi aprenden mejor."

    With the Title III funds we received this year, we will expand the Backpack materials to include more advanced level reading books and math items such as flash cards and math storybooks. We will continue this program for the next school year.

    This project was funded by a mini-grant from the Leon County Schools Foundation.