Munch and Crunch with the Lunch Bunch

By Karen Othoson, Reading Department Chair

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Munch and Crunch with the Lunch Bunch

By Karen Othoson, Reading Department Chair

Sixth grade reading teacher, Vicki Jackson–Herndon, launched the Lunch Bunch program three years ago at Jewett Middle Academy, a magnet school in Winter Haven. Her inspiration piggy backed off a similar program she had read about. Currently, teachers Becky Hensley, Kay Earls, Leslie Howard, Joan Jones, Jimmy Steele, and Maria Viamonte are assisting with the program; this includes a 7th grade group that began this year. Any teacher can work with the program that is facilitated by only two reading instructors.

Teachers and students meet on a voluntary basis two days a week to discuss a chapter from a Sunshine State Reader. At present, they are reading Peak by Roland Smith. Participants are encouraged to bring a question, and a book marked section that they want to talk about. Lunch Bunch participants conclude with an evening celebration activity which includes student designed projects, recognition, and door prizes from the instructors. Approximately 50 students are participating in the program.

Jackson-Herndon values the backing from her administration, peers, parents, and students. She especially appreciates the fact that Lunch Bunch creates an appealing approach to reading, citing an incident with a reluctant reader who made leaps and bounds as a result of this program. She can barely wait to see what next year will bring.

Sixth grade reading teacher, Vicki Jackson–Herndon, launched the Lunch Bunch program three years ago at Jewett Middle Academy, a magnet school in Winter Haven. Her inspiration piggy backed off a similar program she had read about. Currently, teachers Becky Hensley, Kay Earls, Leslie Howard, Joan Jones, Jimmy Steele, and Maria Viamonte are assisting with the program; this includes a 7th grade group that began this year. Any teacher can work with the program that is facilitated by only two reading instructors.

Teachers and students meet on a voluntary basis two days a week to discuss a chapter from a Sunshine State Reader. At present, they are reading Peak by Roland Smith. Participants are encouraged to bring a question, and a book marked section that they want to talk about. Lunch Bunch participants conclude with an evening celebration activity which includes student designed projects, recognition, and door prizes from the instructors. Approximately 50 students are participating in the program.

Jackson-Herndon values the backing from her administration, peers, parents, and students. She especially appreciates the fact that Lunch Bunch creates an appealing approach to reading, citing an incident with a reluctant reader who made leaps and bounds as a result of this program. She can barely wait to see what next year will bring.