GENTRY -- Students from the Gentry High School's pre-advanced-placement English II classes attended first-grade classes at Gentry Primary School on Friday and read books they had written and illustrated to the students in first grade.

The Pre-AP English II students wrote children's books for their end-of-the-year project, said Alishia Ramsey, GHS English teacher.

"They were responsible for coming up with a theme and then coming up with a story and illustrations for the book," Ramsey said. "This project took a little over three weeks from start to finish," she added.

"Writing the children's book was a new and fun experience that I got to be a part of this year," said AnnDee Holt, a Gentry sophomore. "We researched the characteristics of a good book​ and how to relate to the younger students that we read to."

When the books were complete, the high school students went to the primary school and took turns in the first-grade classrooms reading to students and showing the illustrations in their books. The high school English students took their places at the head of the class, introduced themselves and read their books to the young students and fielded questions.

"After writing the books, we always go over to the primary school and read them to the first graders," Ramsey said. "It is a fun activity that the primary students and teachers always look forward to each year."

"I loved getting the experience to connect with the younger kids," said Madi Boyd, a sophomore. "I have never understood the little pieces that go into writing a good children's book, so it really opened my eyes. The kids at the primary school seemed to enjoy it too."

Community on 05/16/2018