Ridge kindergarten teacher gives presentation at national conference

Ann Smelser, a kindergarten teacher at Ridge Elementary School, had a different audience on Tuesday, February 7, as she gave a presentation at the 21st National Reading Recovery and Literacy Conference in Columbus, Ohio. Smelser, who usually leads classes of five-year-old students, addressed a crowd of more than 200 teachers as she presented her plan for reading centers for half-day kindergartens. The conference is a top draw for Reading Recovery teachers.

The session was expected to attract between 75-100 people, but its attendance was more than double the expectation. Smelser shared a PowerPoint presentation with the group, as well as a variety of other materials. She also participated in a question-and-answer session during and after her allotted time.

The conference attracted teachers from across the county, and Smelser's work represented the school district well. Teachers were very interested to hear how Smelser, who also teaches Reading Recovery with Ridge first graders, works in reading centers during a shortened day.

Ridge, one of 14 elementary schools in Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202, is located at 1900 Caton Ridge Drive in Plainfield.

For more information, contact Ann Smelser at (815) 577-4630.