SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Bonni Boschee was a teacher for 16 years.
“My students were Native American students. And I just really had a heart for the students that don’t have the same opportunities that more of the affluent families have,” Remarkable Women Nominee, Bonni Boschee said.
Boschee decided to start taking her talents outside of the classroom.
“She started a whole program at the downtown Central Church in the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood. Just helping kids to progress in their literacy. So completely volunteer. Got the reading level of all the students. And then there started to be a literacy night on Monday nights where we would volunteer our time,” Read2Soar coach and math director, Nicole Sanderson said.
Boschee has done extensive research, and started Read2Soar.
“Developed a whole system of getting to know what the child’s multiple intelligences are, so we know exactly how to teach them if they’re an auditory, kinesthetic learner, what their learning style is. Then we also do a reading assessment so we know exactly what their reading level is,” Sanderson said.
“It’s not only research based but it’s evidence based because we are moving students to 3 or 4 grade levels in 8 to 12 weeks. Why? Because we know exactly where their brain is. So when they come in, like Stella. they’re reading like a second grade, second month book. I know exactly where her brain is,” Boschee said.
Heather Kittelson has seen a change in her daughters after starting the program.
“I have completely noticed a difference, even just like in her, the comprehension. And when she is reading, she doesn’t pause as much. She just rolls. And so even at home in our reading, they don’t fight me. They get excited about the books,” 2 daughters in Read2Soar, Heather Kittelson said.
Bonni Boschee is doing her part to help change the game for people struggling to read.
“That’s really where my heart is, is working with students that are capable, intelligent, but still they don’t have the opportunity and exposure for everything that Sioux Falls has to offer,” Boschee said.
Boschee has condensed the 400 rules of the English language down to 33.
Next Tuesday, we will announce our 2 winners for the Remarkable Women Contest.
