Fourth Graders Skype with Lieutenant Governor of California

Mrs. Boarman’s fourth grade has been participating in the Global Read Aloud during October and November. Over half a million students of all ages around the world have been sharing in this reading experience. Mrs. Boarman’s class has been Skyping, tweeting, and blogging with a fourth grade class at San Domenico School in San Anselmo, California. The classes read "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaley Hunt. It is the story of a sixth grade girl who faces daunting challenges in school because she has dyslexia.

Last Tuesday, Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor of California, visited San Domenico School to share his experiences as a dyslexic student. Mrs. Boarman’s class sent their questions for the Lieutenant Governor ahead of time and joined the conversation via Skype. Mr. Newsom shared stories of frustration, embarrassment and self-doubt, but his story is also one of creativity, persistence and support. Shorecrest parent Molly Davis also stopped by to talk about her work with dyslexic students and to answer questions.

The collaboration with the class on the other side of the country was so successful that the students decided they wanted to continue to work together on other projects during the school year.