Pinkham recognized for literacy efforts

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This article was published 11/06/2018 (2868 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A small Weston school is offering up some innovative ways to improve literacy in its students.

Pinkham School, located on Pacific Avenue, was recently granted $30,000 through Indigo’s literacy fund — they are the only school in Winnipeg to receive it this year. The elementary school has been chosen for its ongoing efforts to prioritize reading and writing skills through a variety of different avenues.

“Pinkham School is an amazing school that’s shown an amazing commitment to developing literacy among students and being passionate about giving students as many opportunities as they can around literacy,” executive director of Indigo Ariel Siller said.

“Even with limited resources they were able to do amazing things, and with new funds, they’ve articulated an amazing vision for how they’ll enhance the learning environment for the students.”

Support teacher Jill Burdey says that the efforts begin with the teachers.

“Every single classroom does intense guided readings and reading instruction so we see a lot of gains from that,” Burdey said. “We have all of our teachers trained in that, a training assessment — that’s probably the thing that’s having the biggest impact.”

Literacy is a focus for teachers and staff on a daily basis, principal Val Mowez says.

“We’ve really worked on improving teacher practices, and we’re fortunate that we have a group of staff that have ongoing conversations about literacy learning, as well as other learning,” she said. “If they’re unsure, they’ll talk to a colleague, get some feedback, bring in Jill or myself.”

In addition to focusing on reading and writing during class time, staff ensure that the school library, as well as individual classroom libraries, are stocked with a variety of books for students of all reading levels.

“If nothing interests them then they won’t want to read,” Burdey said. With the money from the literacy fund, staff will be consulting with students on what they would like to see in the libraries.

“Now that we have these amazing funds, we want their feedback on a larger scale, not just one book at a time.”

“We want our kids to see themselves in the collection,” Mowez added.

Another important piece is creating spaces where students feel comfortable reading. Even Mowez’s office includes a couch, comfortable chairs and dozens of books to choose from. The rest of Pinkham’s classrooms and libraries feature similarly inviting spaces.

“We have more bean bag chairs, more pillows, rugs — a nice calm area, more natural lighting,” Mowez said. “Who likes to sit at a desk and read? Do any of us do that? We’re on our couches… so we’ve tried to create those environments because then you want to read.”

Burdey added that they have applied for this fund many times and were asked why they continue to apply after being unsuccessful in the past.

“We’re all here for the students, so that’s what guides us everyday.”