Soaking Up The Language Aboard A Glass Bottom Boat

Thanks to the Keys Open Doors Foundation and Key Largo Princess Glass Bottom Boat Director of Operations, Jimmy Hendricks, students from Literacy Volunteers of America  (LVA) in the Upper Keys increased both their knowledge of English and understanding of Environmental Literacy concepts in an exciting new way of teaching that involves the outdoors, and, learning outside the box.

Hendricks donated a glass bottom boat trip for 30 LVA students and tutors for his contribution as a project partner with the “Keys Open Doors/LVA Environmental Literacy Program”

“We’re always trying to make learning easier and more fun,” says Sharon Plezia, LVA Upper Keys Coordinator.  “We teach English vocabulary as relates to the ocean in a classroom setting.  Then we move class to the outside, and let our students experience on the ocean the things they learned about in class. “

“With this project, students improve English literacy and Ocean literacy simultaneously,” says LVA Board President Judge Peary Fowler. “LVA tutors and students are working with Ocean Literacy Concept Six handouts and vocabulary sheets.  Concept Six teaches: People and the ocean are interconnected.”

“We really are interconnected,” says LVA volunteer tutor Christine Velizaroff.

LVA participating tutors are unanimous in their opinion that engaging students with an outdoor activity combined with lessons helps them learn faster and retain better.

“It’s the fun factor.  People learn better when they enjoy themselves,” asserts Plezia.

“The trip enabled us to introduce new vocabulary, ideas, and discussion about Florida Keys marine life and our relationship to the ocean as an island community. The boat guides were extremely knowledgeable and engaging with their presentation. We greatly appreciate the generosity of The Key Largo Princess in helping facilitate this educational and welcoming opportunity for our students.”

The Key Largo Princess is located on U.S. Highway 1 at mile marker 100.

For information on all LVA programs call 305-294-4352, visit their website at

lva-monroe.org or email LVA at [email protected]

 

Photo caption: (Left to right) LVA Upper Keys Coordinator Sharon Plezia prepares to take the plunge with Christine Velizaroff, Andy Ledema, Silvia Eufrasio, Gabriella Gonzalez, Vianey Gonzalez,  Valeria Gonzales, Alfredo Villoa,            Nelson Sammiguel,  Pilar Sammiguel, Olga Ludwig, John Ludwig, Rosalba Mora, Paola Mora, Andy Ledesma, Andiris Ledesma, Evelyn Betancourt, Isaac Guiterrez, Eddy Quezada,  Noel Quezada,  Noemi Quezada, Olivia Quezada, Charles Bigger, Aura Hernandez,  Mauncio Gutierrez, Gabriella Gutierrez, Jacobo Gutierrez,  Tatiana Gutierrez, Edison Gutierrez and Bertha Guiterrez.

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