Teacher Visit: Spanish Classroom Library

The Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce, through its Business & Education Coalition, continues the tradition of supporting the efforts of teachers in the classroom. Chamber President & CEO Melanie Minter and Education Division Vice-Chair DeJeay Woods visited a Watertown High School grant recipient, Jennifer Rodriguez, to see her project in action. With the funds received from her grant, Rodriguez, a Spanish teacher, established a multi-level “Spanish Library” in her classroom.

All students studying Spanish now participate in a daily reading routine. Rodriguez has taught her students how to quickly and accurately choose a book that is appropriate to their individual level through a speed dating process for books. Upon completion of a book, students have an opportunity to rate the book on a classroom display so that classmates can decide if they would like to read the book.

The reading activity will start off slowly. Over time, students will build up their stamina. The ultimate goal is to read for 15 minutes in honors classes and 10 minutes in standard classes.