Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General, Schools
 By  GreggParker Published 
8:01 pm Wednesday, June 20, 2012

SUPERcamp gives edge to second-graders

Madison teachers used SUPERcamp as an innovative way to prepare students for third grade.

One second-grader at SUPERcamp explained the importance of counting money.

SUPERcamp was a two-week summer study in reading and math for 20 Madison students, instructional teacher leader Danielle Dixon said. She teaches kindergarten at Heritage Elementary School, where SUPERcamp was held on June 4-15.

Camp leaders invited students based on academic needs and teacher recommendations. The camp was free. Class size was limited to five students for one-on-one attention, Dixon said. Local businesses provided snacks.

Heritage second-grade teachers Adrian Wells and Wendy Pharo were among the SUPERcamp instructors. Wells said the campers arrived before 8 a.m. and worked on activities incorporating reading and math skills. “Then, we did reading rotations for half our time and math rotations for the second half.”

Compared to instruction during the school year, SUPERcamp “is lesson-based. Students worked in proximity with the teacher at all times,” Wells said.

“SUPERcamp was an excellent way for students to receive small-group instruction in a fun and challenging way,” Pharo said. They reviewed lessons learned in second grade and “implemented iPads and hands-on games to keep the students engaged and having fun.”

Often, children left Pharo’s group saying, “Aw … it’s time to leave already?” “The experience was positive and provided students with the extra bit of instruction they’ll need for summer break,” Pharo said.

Federal Programs Coordinator Jeana Ross said a study by National Assessment of Educational Progress supports the camp’s ideology: “Reading proficiently by the end of third grade can be a make-or-break benchmark … Until the end of third grade, most children are learning to read. Beginning in fourth grade, they’re reading to learn.”

Other SUPERcamp teachers were Heather Chaffin, kindergarten, Heritage; Kescha Lamb and Jill Bledsoe, Mill Creek Elementary School, second grade; and Natalie Smoak, Madison Elementary School, third grade.

Each of the six SUPERcamp teachers had a station, like comprehension and fluency, to hone student skills, Dixon said.

“If one student was really struggling with punctuation, for example, the teacher worked specifically on that skill,” Dixon said. “Working one-on-one gave an extra boost.”

Also on The Madison Record
Tri-agency traffic enforcement targets speeders on I-565
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By STAFF REPORTS 
July 16, 2025
MADISON  – In a united front to crack down on excessive speeding, the Huntsville Police Department (HPD), Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and t...
Local athletes set for North-South battles
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Bob Labbe 
July 16, 2025
MADISON - Some of the top rising senior high school athletes are about to invade the Alabama Capitol City of Montgomery July 21-25 for the 29th annual...
NASA, Orion to host Marshall’s 65th anniversary celebration this Saturday
A: Main, Events, Madison County Record, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
HUNTSVILLE - NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is inviting the community to help celebrate the center’s 65th anniversary during a free public event ...
Chamber needs nominations for ‘Military Family of the Year’
A: Main, Business, Events, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Madison Chamber of Commerce is encouraging residents to identify a family who has upheld a strong commitment to country and community. The c...
ADOC: Health care worker tried to smuggle meth, narcotics into correctional facility
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Staff Reports 
July 16, 2025
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A health care employee was arrested Friday for allegedly attempting to transport almost 200 grams of methamphetamine and other narc...
Central Office values Becky Tucker as ‘Staff Member of the Year’
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Becky Turner doesn’t get hung up on labels. No matter her job title, Tucker feels called to be a servant leader. Her colleagues at Central O...
Brett Burgess named ‘Teacher of the Year’ at James Clemens
Madison County Record, News, Schools, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – Brett Burgess wanted to work in Madison City Schools for association with the best in his field, both academic and coaching. James Clemens H...
Olivia Skillern named James Clemens theatre department’s artistic director
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, ...
Gregg Parker 
July 16, 2025
MADISON – For Olivia Skillern, it’s ‘as if I never said goodbye’ (to quote a line from “Sunset Boulevard”). With her new job in the Theatre Department...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Our Latest E-edition
Latest Stories
YUM! Spicy yet savory poppers
MADISON - Your guests won’t be able to have just one of these sweet and savory poppers. With a touch of heat from the cayenne pepper, and sweetness fr...
July 16, 2025
poll