Students get in some 'reading' while they walk

To promote reading comprehension and physical fitness, W.B. Goodwin Elementary School in North Charleston has started a Walk and Read Club.

For 20-25 minutes most days, students walk outside and listen to books downloaded to iPods and MP3 players. This is one of several efforts under way at Goodwin to close the reading achievement gap among its students. Students from all grade levels are nominated by their teachers. Their names then are drawn in a lottery to participate in the class.

"We are targeting students who would get the most benefit from listening to the audiobooks, for example, students whose second language is English, and students who are reading well below grade level," said Emily Elliott, technology integration teacher.

Elliott was instrumental in starting the class at Goodwin after getting five MP3 players using a grant she applied for through donorschoose.org. The Charleston County School District loaned the program 11 iPods.

"Listening to these books gives students access to literature on or above their grade level that they would otherwise not be able to experience," Elliott said.

Elliott, who is completing course work for a master's degree in education technology, was inspired through her studies to start the class.

Media specialist Carla Lydon introduced the physical fitness component.

Students, who are rotated in groups of eight, are excited to participate in the pilot program, Elliott said.

The MP3 players are loaded from CDs from several authors of popular young adult literature. After the walk and read session, students return to the classroom to summarize what they read in journals. She would like to see the Walk and Read Club replicated in classrooms throughout Charleston County. Elliott hopes listening to books will increase students' interest in reading, and help them understand how stories are put together. "We're more focused on listening comprehension and story structure," Elliott said.

Goodwin Elementary Principal Mary Reynolds said the Walk and Read Club possesses "double benefits." "They are hearing language, and it's going to help them with their reading, and they are exercising, which is going to help them with their health, so I'm very thrilled that (Elliott) is doing this," Reynolds said.

Reach Jasiri Whipper at 745-5863 or jwhipper@postandcourier.com.