Sergeant Tommy Prince School celebrates improvement in literacy rates
The Sergeant Tommy Prince School in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation has made notable strides in improving literacy rates among its students thanks to community involvement and targeted teaching strategies.
Sergeant Tommy Prince School, located in Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, has celebrated significant improvements in literacy rates among its students, driven by the dedicated efforts of the school's literacy and numeracy support teacher, Marjorie Ma-Ao. Her classroom is well-equipped with an array of books sorted by reading levels to cater to the diverse needs of students, ensuring that they have access to appropriate materials to aid their reading development. Ma-Ao emphasizes the importance of meeting students at their current levels, particularly since some enter the school lacking foundational skills like understanding the alphabet or writing their names.
During the school year, particularly in conjunction with the province-wide "I Love to Read" initiative, the school has engaged in various activities and invited guest speakers from the community to foster a love for reading. This communal involvement not only enhances the students' learning experience but also helps instill cultural pride through literature that reflects Indigenous stories and perspectives. The support from the community, as displayed through these events, plays a crucial role in motivating students to improve their reading skills.
The progress seen by the end of the academic year is encouraging, with marked advancements in students' reading abilities underscoring the effectiveness of the school's literacy programs. For educators like Ma-Ao, witnessing this improvement is incredibly fulfilling, as it highlights the impact of targeted support and community engagement in enhancing educational outcomes for children in the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. This example exemplifies how focused efforts in elementary education can yield positive results in literacy, empowering Indigenous youth with the skills necessary for future academic success.