How To Encourage a Student to Love Reading: A Read-a-thon Reflection

The Academy for GOD believes that inspiring kids to love reading is a wonderful goal that can have lifelong benefits! We incorporate reading into each school day in both practical and intentional ways such as: 

Creating a Reading-Friendly Environment: we make sure our classrooms are conducive to silent reading times with age and level appropriate books and reading materials for each student.

Choosing Interesting Books: we’re always looking for what’s new and engaging for our young readers! Students can bring in books from home or even plan a trip to the library with their class. 

Reading Aloud: Many teachers implement this practice into each school day, modeling proper tone, fluency, and engagement. This also provides a positive reading experience for students who might otherwise get discouraged by silent or partner reading.

Using Technology When Appropriate: Incorporate digital reading tools, audiobooks, or e-books are a great way to change up the routine and add some flavor to a student’s reading goals. Many of our school apps offer interactive and engaging reading experiences at a variety of ages and levels.

Making it Interactive and Fun: small groups, readers’ theatre, and other dramatic productions increase students’ enthusiasm and participation for reading. These activities also get students out of their seats and put their comprehension to the challenge!

Reading at home is a great way to practice what students are learning in Language Arts courses at school. During our fundraiser, some of our students got to take home the “Read-a-thon RAT” to accompany them while reading!

Encouraging students to read at home: whether it’s hosting a school read-a-thon or sending homework suggestions to parents, we encourage our students to be reading at home with their parents and siblings. 

Celebrating Achievements: We love acknowledging our students’ achievements at school wide assemblies, and students look forward to celebrating one another and earring incentives based on their participation in competitions like the school read-a-thon. 

The key is to make reading a positive and enjoyable experience for students, especially at a young age. Our educators seek to tailor our approach to our students’ interests and preferences as they develop their love for reading!

We have TWO DAYS left in our 2024 Read-a-thon! Would you consider supporting our young readers as they are working hard to meet their goals in this competition? Click the link below to donate and leave an encouraging message. Thank you for your support!

Hand to the Plow: Nurturing Spiritual Growth at the Junior High and High School Bible Retreat

This year's Junior High and High School Bible Retreat, themed "Hand to the Plow," was a profound and transformative experience for students. Headmaster Garner, drawing from Luke 9:57-62, led the students in worship and study God's Word, followed by small group discussions and impactful activities with the other event facilitators and Academy staff.

The retreat kicked off with a unique team-building game orchestrated by Mr. Duffy, involving students floating on "magic carpets" in the gym. This engaging activity promoted teamwork and communication skills, setting the tone for the retreat's collaborative atmosphere.

The first session opened with a powerful message on decision-making in the context of one’s youth. Mr. Garner addressed the common misconception that older generations may not understand the struggles of young individuals. Drawing parallels from the disciples, likely teenagers themselves, he emphasized the need for guidance as they matured. The key takeaway: Jesus seeks disciples/students who can think critically.

A highlight of Friday was a panel discussion with seasoned educators tackling five spiritual hot topics submitted by the student council. Topics included the importance of hope amidst change, interacting with friends of different values, strengthening accountability in friend groups, pursuing the Lord in worship beyond feelings, and maintaining faith in an uncertain future. The Q and A session that followed allowed students to delve deeper into these topics, making it one of the most anticipated segments of the retreat.

Friday's sessions continued exploring our theme passage, emphasizing that following Jesus places individuals in vulnerable positions beyond cultural comforts. Mr. Garner highlighted the unconventional nature of this journey, stressing that it won't always align with practical reasoning. Following Christ, he explained, requires the development of critical thought and spiritual fitness for advancing the Kingdom of God.

Saturday morning brought a reflective activity where students penned letters to their parents, expressing their current season and aspirations for the future. Mr. Garner concluded the retreat by urging students to cultivate habits contributing to their spiritual development, emphasizing continuous learning from the Word of God and seeking guidance from knowledgeable mentors.

The retreat left a lasting impact on students, reinforcing the importance of critical thinking, spiritual fitness, and envisioning a future of service. These lessons are expected to resonate with them as they enter the next season of their lives, with a renewed perspective on their roles as students and disciples of His Word.

A special THANK YOU to all our Academy jr high and high teachers and staff members as well as parent chaperones and college mentors who helped facilitate this retreat for our students!

Fostering a Love for Reading and Supporting Education: The Annual Elementary School Read-a-Thon

The Read-a-Thon is not just a competition; it's a celebration of literature and the joy of reading. With the goal of fostering a lifelong love for books, students are encouraged to explore diverse genres and learn through this meaningful competition. The event provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills, expand their vocabulary, and enhance their comprehension abilities.

As students participate in the Read-a-Thon, they are encouraged to set personal reading goals. Whether it's completing a certain number of books, exploring new genres, or conquering more challenging texts, the competition becomes a catalyst for literary growth. Through the process, students learn the value of goal-setting and perseverance, skills that extend beyond the realm of reading and into various aspects of their academic and personal lives.

The Read-a-Thon goes beyond the individual act of reading; it becomes a communal effort to support our school. Families, friends, and community members are invited to sponsor students in the read-a-thon. During the Read-a-Thon weeks, classroom corners become cozy reading nooks, teachers organize reading challenges, book discussions, and literary-themed activities to spark excitement and curiosity.

As the Read-a-Thon concludes, winners of the most minutes read and most funds raised as individuals and classes will be recognized at our school assembly in February. Will you join us in supporting our young readers? The videos below have been made by our students to share with other classes to promote enthusiasm surrounding the read-a-thon. We hope you’ll join in the fun and competition. Thank you for supporting our school!

Pure Pastures Farm Owners Testify to Partnership Success

The Academy for GOD’s meal program has been blessed by the positive impact of the partnership with Pure Pastures Farm. Collaborations like these not only benefit businesses but also create a sense of community and mutual support. We recently received a video from the farm’s owners with a little history behind why they love supporting schools like ours. Hearing about their growing practices adds an extra layer of transparency and authenticity to our partnership, giving us valuable insights into the source of the products. As a farm to school meal program, we look forward to the future as a partner with Pure Pastures Farm!

Empowering Futures: Support Another Year of Student Scholarships

Introduction

Pastora Zenaida Castellanos (front left) is our Education Proctor in Morristown, TN. This incredible woman of faith daily guides the students in their coursework. She approaches every situation with joy and determination; we are so thankful to have her on our team!

As we reflect on the success of last year's scholarship program, we are thrilled to announce the continuation of our mission to support the education of international students in Uganda and now, newly welcomed students from Morristown, TN. Our commitment to providing quality education through remote learning has opened doors for students around the world, fostering holistic development and creating positive, lasting impacts.

In the previous year, our scholarship program reached new heights, enabling us to support international students in Uganda, including our very first remote graduate! This achievement stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that arise when students are given the tools they need to succeed.

This year, we are excited to extend our program to students in Morristown, TN, through our remote learning initiative. Leveraging advanced technology, these students connect to real-time classes happening in Nashville, where they are guided by dedicated, Jesus-loving teachers who are committed to their holistic development.

A Holistic Approach to Education

These three 10th graders attend class together. Uganda is 9 hours ahead of Nashville, so students are ‘in class’ from about 5pm to midnight. We record all classes so that students can access content if they cannot attend in real time.

Our remote learning program offers a unique alternative to traditional classrooms, providing a shield against overcrowding, outdated curriculum and negative influences. Through an interactive and relevant learning model, students not only engage with their coursework but also develop a strong foundation for personal and spiritual growth.

To ensure the success of our students, we have implemented in-person educational proctors who act as mentors, guiding them through their coursework and keeping a watchful eye on their spiritual and social well-being. This personalized approach to education fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

A Personal Perspective

As the Vice President of this program, I have the privilege of interacting daily with our remote learners. I get to daily witness their excitement about learning,  and observe their gratitude manifested through hard work. Facilitating this education is a privilege; these student’s lives are being forever changed. They are facing the world with a critical mind, and hearts full of faith and confidence in the role God is shaping them to play. They know their individual gifts and they are eager to put those to good use in bringing change to the world around them. I truly cannot say enough about the quality of our students, which is enhanced yearly by their education in God’s word. 

"How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver." 

- Proverbs 16:16

Join Us in Making a Difference

Our Exemplar of the Quarter program acknowledges outstanding Remote Learners. They are celebrated for qualities such as good grades, enthusiastic participation in class, and communicating well with teachers.

We invite you to join us in supporting another year of scholarships for students around the world! By contributing to this cause, you become a vital part of shaping healthy, thriving young individuals who love the Lord and are enthusiastic about bringing positive change to the world. 

Donate to our scholarship fund and be a catalyst for change in the lives of students around the world. Your support will help create a brighter future filled with endless possibilities and opportunities. Together, let's empower these young minds and make education a transformative force in their lives.