
Helen Kimbrough is the author of "Ocean Waves and Other Tales," a multicultural collection of simply told stories accompanied by a musical CD. Inspired by her sons, Ms. Kimbrough created a book coupled with melodies to encourage her children, and other children to enjoy reading and learning. Ms. Kimbrough read her book to the first grade classes at Harmony Leland Elementary. This gave the students the experience of meeting a real author and asking important questions about writing.

Kindergarten students at Austell Primary are able to verbalize standards due to some great teaching coupled with the America's Choice Workshop Model. Pictured here you can see some examples of their standards boards along with how they are used to drive instruction.
Click below to view a short video.
Download austell_primary_kindergarten_009.mpg
Principal, Hermia Simmons-Deveaux, models instructional leadership at Harmony Leland by leading a new reading initiative called DEAR time. Each day at a set time, students Drop Everything And Read. Mrs. Simmons-Deaveaux uses this time to actively be involved in the classroom as the students practice their reading skills. Here she reads to a kindergarten classroom.
Continue to visit our blog to view featured events and lessons in Area 1 schools.
For questions or comments, please contact Jason Cathey.