September 29, 2008

Banyan Creek second-graders learn more while enjoying their education

> Posted by DAve DiPino at 4:01 PM 

At Banyan Creek Elementary School, Susanna Livingston teaches a class of gifted second-graders and has found an innovative way to motivate her students.“First, and foremost, I prepare my students to be the world’s future scientists, researchers, cancer curers by using inquiry skills,” Livingston said. She said her class has been renamed “the Livingston Township” at Banyan Creek Elementary School. Through regularly scheduled activities, some students who previously were uninterested in science are now excited about the subject.

 Donations from parents and support from area businesses have allowed Livingston to purchase a pair of durable plastic goggles for each child to protect their eyes. Plus every child has his or her own lab coat, purchased slightly larger than their current size so that it will fit them through out elementary school.

 The class also has participated in a recent “Read-In Celebration” held each month at the Livingston Township. In September, the read-in’s theme was focus was Dr. Seuss.   Each student brought in as many Dr. Seuss books as they had at home and could physically carry to school, along with a blanket and pillow or sleeping bag, since the day’s focus was to read, relax and enjoy, Livingston said.