Five classroom apple computers are provided with special software to help develop language skills. Students can practice saying letters, sight words or names for pictures or shapes, and get instant feedback. A separate set of desks pushed together to form a larger table is at one end of the room. The moveable bulletin board serves a dual purpose as a room divider. One day a week, a district reading resource teacher helps with language skills.
Students gather in semi-circle on the rug in front of the teacher.
Students generally follow attentively, some volunteering to answer the teacher s questions and respond to her prompts as she goes along. After the book reading comes singing. Some students especially like listening to and attempting to sing along with the teacher as she accompanies herself on a guitar. A couple of boys are especially good at showing off their singing skills and perform a duet. For the most part, the children participate in this group activity as though they are members of an interest group, and really want to be there.