The Yakutat School District puts on the Superhero Reading Camp yearly for Kindergarten and 1st-grade students. With 13 eager learners under the guidance of Mrs. Newlun and Mrs. Ivers, the focus is getting the kids ready for entering the school year. Each day the students are engaged with puzzles, games, phonics activities, and arts and crafts. There is a cultural component integrated, with the reading of Sealaska Heritage Institute, children’s literature. Each day the students think about a native value, and draw a picture of the reading.
The return to school has been smooth thanks to this innovative program. The combination of phonics instruction with engaging art projects helps students connect with what they are learning in a hands-on way. This method not only reinforces their reading skills but also keeps them excited about school. As a result, students are adapting well to their new routines and looking forward to each day of learning and creativity. These little superheroes are ready for school to start!