Katherine Brummett, Clardy Elementary Gladstone, Missouri   Intro The goal of this project is to enhance literacy for English Learners (ELs) by integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and holistic wellness practices into the curriculum. Through intentional wellness activities and lessons, the project aims to build student confidence and promote self-understanding through intentional wellness lessons and activities. It also encourages the use of home languages to affirm cu

Meghan Cheely, Monett Elementary School, Monett    Introduction   The Monett community is home to a linguistically diverse population, with students speaking over twenty different languages or dialects. The number of families considered Newcomers, those newly arrived in the United States, is rapidly increasing in our schools. As a result, it is critical for educators to support these students in learning English as a second language. One significant challenge faced by many En

Kayla Haynes, Monett Early Childhood Center, Monett, MO     Intro   In our community we recently had an increase in students who speak Burmese or Karen. As an Early Childhood Special Education teacher watching the referrals come through, I began to notice that home language literacy needed to be strengthened to develop age-appropriate communication skills. Many of our 3–4-year-old students did not have the language skills to say a complete sentence in their home language.   

LaShonda Paulsell   Mark Twain Elementary    Springfield, MO     Introduction    Mark Twain Elementary has a diverse population of students and staff, many of whom come from different backgrounds. Our school's diversity needed to be celebrated and recognized. Many students come from low-income families. These students have yet to have the opportunity to travel or gain experiences from other places. Most students that I have had in the past are so interested in learning about

Sarah Hanf, Creekmoor Elementary, Raymore Peculiar School District Introduction World Fest was a beautiful and successful event! The event was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, filled with excitement and enthusiasm. For our Creekmoor English Learners (ELs), World Fest was a wonderful opportunity to showcase their rich cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It was a celebration of their identities and a chance to share their unique perspectives with the broader comm

Jairo Rueda, Monett Elementary School, Monett, MO    Introduction    The Monett School District boasts a richly diverse student body, with English Learners (ELs) representing the fastest-growing demographic nationwide, having increased by 60% over the last decade (Breiseth, 2015). Our district welcomes students from various countries, with Spanish being the predominant language among our diverse learners. The primary aim of this project is to provide engaging activities for n

Sarah Smith, Monett Elementary School, Monett, MO Introduction Many families of English Learners (ELs) are not able to read books from...

Sherri Eldred, Boyd Elementary, Springfield, MO Introduction There are many resources available to support educators of English Learners...

Julianne Bramwell, Wilder Elementary, Springfield, MO Introduction Three second-grade classrooms offered their students access to a...

Susan Heath, Cedar Ridge Elementary, Columbia, Missouri Introduction Around the World Family Literacy night is a project designed to...

Mrs. Nicole Jones and Dr. Brendon Thiry, Martin City K-8 & Butcher-Greene Elementary, Grandview, MO Introduction Family literacy...

Janet Gonzalez, Pittman Elementary, Springfield, MO Introduction Many of our students come to us from various countries, backgrounds, and...

Yuliana Morales-Schafer, Cedar Ridge Primary, Branson, MO Introduction Our school mascot is a pirate. My project, A Multicultural...

Samantha Coupland, Monett Elementary, Monett Introduction There is a need for deep conversation, even at a first-grade level. The purpose...

Lara Garrett and Tracy Greiner, Wanda Gray Elementary, Springfield, Missouri Introduction Wanda Gray Elementary stands as a cornerstone...

Mandy Mitchell, Sherwood Elementary, Springfield, MO Introduction As a model language-rich classroom in my district, it is my goal to provide a comfortable, interactive environment for our multilingual students and their families. When students see their native language in books, posters, and through multimedia presentations they feel valued and have a sense of belonging. I want all of my second graders to believe that they belong in our classroom. Sherwood is one of 3 Spring

Brenda Burgherr, Monett Early Childhood Center Introduction DEAR to Me stands for Drop Everything and Read to Me and that is exactly what...

Julie Bravo Meadowbrook Elementary School, North KC Public Schools, Gladstone, MO Introduction As the population of English learners...

David Stockton Sunshine Elementary, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO Introduction This project allows English learners the...

Lindsey Sukany Sherwood Elementary, Springfield, MO Introduction The students in our school come to us from many different backgrounds...