Sheri Ledet

Ledet's innovative project, "Plugged-In to Reading," is designed to integrate technology into the teaching process. Sixth-grade students at Lisa Park Elementary School will have access to a classroom where using audio books will be incorporated into the traditional classroom. They will use iPods to build their vocabulary, improve their listening skills, and increase comprehension skills. Participating students will gather in literature circles and listen to a novel. In the circles, they will also discuss character development, theme, and opinions of the book. Upon completion, the groups will give a brief overview to the class about their selected book and take a reader test. The final component of the project includes each child selecting a children's book to develop their own "audio book" and sharing it with first-grade students. Ledet, who lives in Chauvin, says that in the fast-paced world of technology, it can be challenging for teachers to compete with such technology and teach literacy. She hopes that the project will enrich current curriculum and provide all students with the chance for immersion in great literature.