Kate Bergantino

Bergantino is shaping motivated, active readers through her "Reaching All Readers" project. Fourth-grade students at F.S. Key Elementary School will have the opportunity to select books that appeal to their individual interests on the appropriate reading level. They will use an MP3 player, preloaded with over 400 children's books, to help improve individual reading skills at a comfortable pace. Students will also be able to listen to the MP3 players while following along with the printed versions of the books. Listening to audio books will increase word recognition and improve vocabulary. The media players will also be loaded with educational songs and performances to assist students. Bergantino, who lives in D.C. hopes the MP3 players will demonstrate the importance of reading aloud to encourage parental involvement at home.