K-8 Counselor: Elementary Impact

Impact Reads to Younger Kids

Students Discuss Ways to Keep Body and Mind Healthy

by Kathy Headrick

October 27, 2009

Seven Impact members volunteered to visit younger classrooms and read a book to them as a part of this week's Red Ribbon activities. "The primary students are a little too young to discuss the pitfalls of drug and alcohol use and abuse. However, it is never too soon to talk to them about ways to keep their mind and body healthy," said Mrs. Headrick, Impact sponsor and K-8 guidance counselor.

The Impact members who volunteered to interact with the younger classes are practicing talking in front of a group, interacting with students outside of their grade level, and having the confidence to share their ideas and listen to the ideas of others. One of the goals of Impact is to give its members a chance to develop some leadership characteristics. "What better way to foster interaction between older and younger kids?" said Headrick. This reading activity has beneficial effects for both the Impact kids and the kids in the younger grades.

Kiauna and Saige, Impact members, read to one of the elementary classes as a demonstration of how to keep minds healthy!

Not only is this a fun activity for students, it's kind of fun for the teachers, too! "It's fun to hear you read!" said Kristi Heft, Kindergarten teacher who had Payton and McKelvie in class four years ago, before they could read.

Impact will continue to sponsor and facilitate activities for elementary students at Delmer Day.