HUDSON, NC (September 28, 2016)…September is National Literacy Month and students taking courses at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Family Resource Center have been celebrating literacy through a special study of the novel “Serefina and the Black Cloak,” a mystery set at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.
Students enrolled in basic education and English Language Acquisition classes at the Family Resource Center are reading the novel and doing classroom activities based on its themes and characters. Students used iPad apps to program small robotic spheres, called Spheros and then maneuver them through obstacles courses designed around themes from the book. In one obstacle, students were Chief Rat Catchers, much like the title character of the novel they’re reading. In the novel, Serefina lives in the basement of the Biltmore House and is an accomplished catcher of rats. Student maneuvered their Spheros through the maze catching “rats” and accumulating points. Student also took a turn at being the rodents and worked to get their robots through a maze of live mousetraps to a “cheesy” prize on the other side. Finally, students used their Spheros like bowling balls trying to knock down pins, much like the family may have done in the estate’s in-home bowling alley.
Students say that the experience of reading the novel thus far has been fun and they are excited to see what happens with the story. “It catches you in the first couple chapters,” said student Samaria Sanders, who is working toward her high school equivalency. “I want to read more and find out what happens.” Student Nick Harrison agrees. “I want to know the secrets,” he said.
Students also say that reading the novel has piqued their interest in the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately owned estate in the United States, built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895. “I’ve never been but I would like to go,” said Mara Stewart, who is working to be the first in her family to earn her high school equivalency.
Overall, Shari Brown says the book has been a hit with students. “We are thrilled to be offering this opportunity to our students. Reading an exciting book that has ties to our area is a great way to get students interested and engaged in their education,” said Brown. “Their attendance has been superb because they are excited about coming to class and reading the next chapter of the book. They are eager to read!”
Brown also says that the novel and the diverse background of its author, Robert Beatty, have given instructors an opportunity to teach more than just literacy and English skills. “As instructors, we have been able to use project-based learning to engage our students in the novel and incorporate North Carolina history and geography, advanced vocabulary and literary elements, and even the Solar System,” said Brown. “The students have enjoyed learning about North Carolina in the late 1800’s and Biltmore House history and are excited about the possibility of actually visiting Asheville and the Biltmore House. We are currently seeking funding to make that trip possible. Any donations are appreciated.”
For more information on the Family Resource Center or Adult Education through Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, call 828-726-2230 or visit www.cccti.edu.