At Oakwood Elementary in Plymouth, Literacy Specialist Kim Larson works with small group of striving readers while collaborating with teachers in grades 1-5 on strategies for effective reading instruction. In addition to Reading Recovery, Mrs. Larson employs a balanced literacy approach, providing individualized instruction that includes modeling by the teacher as well as guided and independent practice. This approach is applied in a Writers Workshop, in which students work on individual writing projects with guidance from their teacher. Recognized by the district in 2000 as a Teacher of Excellence, Mrs. Larson was selected to serve on the state's Quality Teaching Network. She created and maintains a book room at Stevenson Elementary, which has helped increase parental and community involvement. The success of her book room has drawn visitors from throughout the state.
