First-Grade Students Complete Research Projects at Blanche Sims Elementary

They had two months to complete their research project.

The teacher helped them find non-fiction books about subjects that ranged from tigers to sharks. The assignment included rough drafts, editing and illustrations. You would think this was a high school project.

Believe it or not, these were first-grade students at Blanche Sims Elementary School.

Blanche Sims teacher Jaime Lovely recently wrapped up a special research project with her 20 first-grade students. This is the fourth year she has guided students through the writing process, teaching them everything from how to create a cover to a table of contents and “about the author” page. The project culminated with a special Writing Celebration during which each student presented their book to their parents.

But that was only half the project.

Parents were heavily involved, too. Each family was asked to create a book about their child including special memories and stories. While our daughter, Alyssa, worked earnestly on her book about poodles, my husband and I stayed up nights, secretly making a book for her. Parents also were invited to come into the classroom and help the children one-on-one.

As I stepped into the library for the Writing Celebration, greeted with a big hug from my daughter, I was in awe over how much work and effort these children put into their books. We watched a short slide show before the children snacked on pizza and treats.

Some say children are not exposed to reading and writing as much as they used to be. Instead, they are bombarded with computers and TV and abbreviated text messages on their cell phones. But in this classroom, the children learned just how special writing can be. I hope it is a lesson they will treasure forever.