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Teaching Tips

Operation Story Time
by Geary Smith

Illiteracy is a present day challenge facing many adults and children all across the nation. According to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE), it is estimated that functional illiteracy affects 24 million Americans. For example, students are unable to complete applications for their first jobs, to pass written driving exams, and most importantly, to graduate from high school.

When I was a senior in high school, I remember listening to a lecture in English class from a former student who was now in college.

I asked him, "What do you think is the most important thing that I can do now to be successful in college?"

The answer that was given by the college student surprised me.

"Having good communication skills," he replied. "Good reading and writing skills will help you be successful not only in college, but in life."

Educators in Texas are promoting just that with a program called Operation Story Time. The program sends established writers to schools to read to students. Operation Story Time not only motivates students to read and to write, but it helps writers to develop their speaking and presentation skills. In my past experiences with speaking at schools, I've found there are some things that teachers can do to prepare so that students get the most out of the visit.

Discuss in advance with the writer the length of time needed for the visit and what you would like the students to learn. Many times, writers will have a presentation all ready prepared, but teachers can make sure it is appropriate for their class.

Give some thought to the seating arrangements for the students. For an intimate setting, place chairs in a semi-circle. For younger students, offer seating on a carpet before the writer. Many writers enjoy sitting in a chair surrounded by young students looking up at them, listening intensely.

Encourage the students to get involved by doing projects, research, or class exercises on the subject before the guest writer appears. Have them prepare some questions for the writer. For example, during Black History Month, the students asked about the inspiration behind one of my published stories. I revealed to the class that I not only graduated from Morehouse College, but I talked with Dr. Martin Luther King's family.

Discuss appropriate behavior with your students before the visit. Be firm that inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Keep an eye on students throughout the presentation in order to prevent disorderly conduct.

Follow up on the visits by asking the students to write thank you cards. Penning thank you notes promotes writing skills. In addition, thank you notes let writers know that the students appreciated the visit. It also helps writers in preparing for future visits. Furthermore, teachers can inform the writer of the impact that the visit had on their class. Did the visit motivate the students to read and to write?

Parents, teachers, and writers must do whatever it takes to decrease the illiteracy rate in this country. It is not only important for our children and students today, but also for the success of future generations. Children are our future. We need to find ways to help children to read and to write so that they can function as competent adults.