Students in Dutchess BOCES’ Early Childhood Education program put what they are learning in class into action in early March by reading to students at Salt Point Center as part of National Read Across America Day.
The team of 12 students visited two classrooms each to read literary classics such as “Madeline,” and then gave the SPC students pictures related to the story they were reading to color.
Since March 2 is also Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the Cat in the Hat, played affably by Early Childhood Education instructor Shawn-Prater Lee, stopped by to say hello and to look for Thing 1 and Thing 2.
Career and Technical instructor Erin Scott helped arrange this event as a chance for CTI students to get first-hand experience working with students who have disabilities, some of whom may be learning on a pre-school level. The SPC students also had an extra activity to participate in, making it successful all around.
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Scott said. “Everybody gets something out of the collaboration.” 
Scott, a former instructor at SPC, said the event was part of the push for a one-campus initiative bringing together students of different ages.
There are plans in April to collaborate with SPC for an Earth Day celebration and June will see the return of Field Day with fun activities.
“Next year, we’ll see what else we can collaborate on,” Scott said. “Our students get exposure to a lot of different things.”
First year student Mari Edwards enjoyed reading Bill Martin Jr.’s “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?” to the students, who wanted to look at the book themzselves afterwards.
“They were great and I had a great time,” Edwards said. “If you have the opportunity to do it, then I think you should take it.”
For first year student Natalia Marrone, reading to the class was a good chance to work in a different learning environment than she has before.
She desires to do more hands-on activities with children in the future.
“You get different experiences with different people,” Marrone said.
published 3/23/2023