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Adult learners from the Literacy Center of West Michigan share their writing

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Learners enrolled in the Family Literacy Program at Sibley Elementary share their favorite West Side spots.

More about the Family Literacy Program

The Family Literacy Program at the Literacy Center of West Michigan is a collaboration with Grand Rapids Public Schools and Godwin Heights Public Schools. Learners with children enrolled in these districts can attend classes, where they will increase their English literacy skills and better support their children's academics. Every month, they also have the opportunity to attend a Family Activity Night at their school, with their family. There, they will share a meal with classmates and complete a fun, literacy-based activity. 

For more information about the Family Literacy Program, please visitwww.literacycenterwm.org.

The learners enrolled in English classes at Sibley Elementary practiced using the present tense by talking about interesting places in the West Side neighborhood. The families living around and attending Sibley are very proud of their community. Before writing, they used lists and cluster maps to brainstorm ideas.–Christine Davenport, AmeriCorps ELL Instructor

 

We like Sibley Elementary because the staff is friendly. They have a lot of good programs. Some of our favorites are Loop, Family Nights, and parent English classes. Our children love to play on the playground.  They have great parties and teachers. We love Sibley!

-Learner collaboration

 

My favorite place is the zoo. I love walking with my family and seeing how they enjoy the animals. Every animal in the habitats my family likes, you can enjoy a picnic and even talk and play. When we are finished we are very tired, but moments like these are unique and worth it.

-Nancy H., Sibley Elementary

 

I like Lincoln Park. I go walk in the park, take pictures and sit under the trees to observe the squirrels and enjoy the nature.

-Enrique T., Sibley Elementary

 

I like the post office downtown. The staff are friendly and respectful. I like old postage stamps. I like to send post cards in winter to my family and friends. I don’t like the US postal service when they send my power, water and gas bills!

-Jose A., Sibley Elementary

 

I like Aldi Food. They have different brands. I like Aldi food because they have different brands. On Wednesday I find low prices on fruit, vegetables, and meat, and in the pharmacy.  Aldi is very far from my home.

-Maria L., Sibley Elementary

 

I like Meijer. The people go to check their blood pressure. They have rotisserie chicken. I like the drive thru pharmacy because I don’t walk. I like to check my blood pressure because I don’t go to the doctor.  I like clearance because I save money.

-Daniel C., Sibley Elementary

 

I like El Granjero Restaurante because the tamales and the people are good. The area around the restaurant is clean. The price is good. The food and everything is good.

-Maria T., Sibley Elementary

 

I like Iglesia Misionera. I like the music. It makes me feel good. I like the people.

-Jennifer, Sibley Elementary

 

Me gusta National Market porque está cerca de la casa. Hay muchas clases de producto que yo consumía. Tienen variedad de fruta. Tienen carnes frescas todos los días. Las personas que la atienden son amables. Está abierto temprano y cierran tarde. Tienen bajos precios. Tienen muchos productos que traen de Guatemala.

I like National Market because it is close to my house. There are many things that I use. They have many kinds of fruit. They have fresh meat every day. The people that work there are nice. It is open early and closes late. They have low prices. The have many things from Guatemala.

-Nancy M., Sibley Elementary

 

I like the Cherry Clinic. I like it because it is close to my home. I have a doctor for my children. I have the dentist too. The people are helpful. I can walk because it is close.

-Arcelia J., Sibley Elementary

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