Building bridges through books at Forrest Bird Charter School

Students in Dave Lien’s Create and Read Children’s Books class at Forrest Bird Charter School are making a meaningful impact, one story at a time. 

Every Monday and Wednesday, FBCS students visit the neighboring Sandpoint Children's Learning Center to read children’s books aloud to younger students. While they have not yet begun writing their own stories, these regular visits are laying an important foundation. By sharing read-alouds and spending consistent time together, students are building relationships, trust and a strong sense of community with their younger audience.  

When asked why reading aloud is important for younger kids, FBCS student Sienna Rader said, “It helps the younger students learn to focus and work on their own reading skills.” She shared that many students read aloud along with her during the visits. 

The experience has been especially rewarding for the FBCS students, who have embraced their role as mentors and reading role models. FBCS student Kaylie McKay shared that it’s her “favorite part of the day” and that she enjoys the opportunity to be more responsible. Many look forward to the visits each week and take pride in engaging younger learners through stories and conversation. FBCS student Klaira Hartman mentioned that the younger students wait at the window for the class to arrive Mondays and Wednesdays, eager to begin reading with their new friends.  

These community-building efforts will soon lead to the next phase of the project, when students begin writing their own children’s books with the goal of reading their original stories to the same students they’ve come to know. This project reflects Forrest Bird Charter School’s commitment to authentic, project-based learning experiences that connect classrooms, inspire creativity and foster meaningful relationships.