The Magic on the Prairies continues at Atall School. If you are a consistent reader of WinkWorld, you are aware that I have tried to capture this magic through the years. The photo above was taken last week, when I visited the school. For me, it is an absolute joy to spend a day reading with these K-8 students. The graduates of 8th grade go on to various high schools 15, 20, 25 or more miles in the distance, which means that secondary students board with another family in town, or their ranch families spend early mornings and late nights driving back and forth from ranch to town.
It is not an easy life for students and families, but it is a good life. The local ranch families value their isolated tiny rural schools, and the community support is deep and wide. I have now begun to keep my eye on this group of students after they graduate from various high schools. Students are thriving, and they go on become wonderful citizens. I cannot find a single exception, since I began writing about the joy of reading with these students many years ago. If you want to read any of the previous WinkWorlds, simply go to the left side bar of joanwink.com and click on SEARCH and write Atall or rural schools.
Last week, I took a selection of Harry Potter books, as I knew most of the younger children probably did not know the stories of Harry, and indeed several of them did not. I wondered if I had made a mistake with my choice of books. However, as you can see in these photos, the magic of Harry did capture the students. I love this photo of Jessa as she read and brought the pages to life for all of us.
These two photos posted above also show the interest of the students. On the left, Ellie was inching towards the book to be closer to the action. On the right, you can see Tymber on the table, too. How much do I love these two photos?? Not to mention, the two girls!
This is a stack of books which I am reading now.
I am also reading The Rent Collector which illustrates how literacy can change and improve lives–even in the most unlikely places: Cambodia in the book and Atall School in rural Meade County, SD. Thank you, Annie Hlavka, for sharing the novel with me. In addition, thank you for helping me to continue to post WinkWorld.
at 12:18 pm
Mom, here’s to you for creating magic on the prairies!! Love you oooooooooooodles!!!!!
at 4:04 pm
Just exactly how you always go around creating magic. I so treasure the memories of you reading the Harry series to your three. Love you ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooodles, too!!!
at 1:29 pm
Look at those eager readers cuddled up around you while listening to the story.❤️ thank you for sharing this beautiful story and getting a glimpse of the magic in prairie schools. Love this!
at 4:02 pm
Sharon, you understand so well, how much these little readers mean to me.
at 1:41 pm
As always, I’m impressed with your devotion to children and their growth! Loved the pictures!!
at 4:02 pm
Thanks, Joe. Guilty: I do tend to be crazy about kids.
at 2:09 pm
I love the pictures of you and the children listening so attentively. You are a blessing on the prairie, dear friend. ❤️
at 4:00 pm
Diane, yes, I marvel at how attentive they are: I sometimes think that they will read the words right off the pages of the book!
at 4:01 pm
Unbelievable that this shy lady from remote Mobridge,SD continues to enhance the education of kids on the prairie in Meade County! However, if you know Mrs Wink, it isn’t surprising because she loves kids and she loves to teach—keep it up!! Take care,RonB
at 5:18 pm
Hey RonnieB, what sweet, kind words. I sort of remember that shy girl from Mobridge, too….
at 6:18 pm
Joan,
I love your perspectives on youth and education. This post reminds me of my experience in a one room schoolhouse through 6th grade. Sometimes I was the only one in my grade! I had no difficulties adjusting to 25 in my classes in 7th grade. Perhaps it’s all about feeling connected and valued. I know that is the climate you create.
at 3:48 pm
I remember meeting you in 1962, and you told me about going to a country school. I also remember how prepared you were for our college years together. What treasured memories for us. Thank you for staying in touch. Love you, Joan
at 6:46 pm
Dear Joan,
You certainly create magic on the prairies through the joy of reading! I know that each of these children are so important to you as you are to them.
Much love,
Janet ❤️
at 3:12 pm
Love this post and love what you do to brighten these young lives through reading!