Ariel Dagan is the Library Media Specialist at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School in Franklin, MA and
received a 2019 President's Award.
received a 2019 President's Award.
The following is a letter, written by partner teacher Suzanne Dodakian, describing the independent reading initiative that Ariel Dagan has started at his vocational school.
In October of 2016, Mr. Dagan instituted an Independent Reading through Book Love exploration with the Grade 10 students in Medical Careers. This was a very important initiative, which involved the students taking an initial survey to measure their personal reading starting point. They, then, were able to select genres of reading material that were of interest while being able to swap a book if they did not care for it. Students then completed a book form and tracked individual progress through fun game challenges. This Book Love initiative was met with enthusiasm for the majority of the Grade 10 students.
In October of 2016, Mr. Dagan instituted an Independent Reading through Book Love exploration with the Grade 10 students in Medical Careers. This was a very important initiative, which involved the students taking an initial survey to measure their personal reading starting point. They, then, were able to select genres of reading material that were of interest while being able to swap a book if they did not care for it. Students then completed a book form and tracked individual progress through fun game challenges. This Book Love initiative was met with enthusiasm for the majority of the Grade 10 students.
We look forward to repeating this initiative, this month, with the Grade 9 Medical Careers students. We are well aware that, regardless of reading level and ability, independent reading will improve vocabulary, comprehension and fluency of our students. So important in the health care industry!!! This program also allows the students to have fun while taking ownership of the reading process. The Grade 10 participants so enjoyed being able to make their own level appropriate selections; which in turn gave them a sense of control and accountability. With this program, students have a voice in the reading process while contributing to their own knowledge. We are truly looking forward to starting this program again, as we know from the previous years, students will view reading as a priority while enjoying it more and more. Thank you, Mr. Dagan, for bringing this initiative to our Medical Careers Program.
Suzanne Dodakian RN, BSN
Medical Careers Instructor
Tri-County RVTHS
Suzanne Dodakian RN, BSN
Medical Careers Instructor
Tri-County RVTHS