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First grader made two years reading growth in five months

Now performs at advanced level

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Israel Garcia, 6, a first grader at Fisher Elementary School, made two years reading growth in just five months. When he grows up, he would like to be a scientist.

For Israel Garcia, 6, a first grader at Fisher Elementary School, life consists of learning, playing and exploring the world around him.

“He’s a sweet, tendered-hearted kid,” said teacher Mandi Nunn.

When Israel arrived in first grade, he was reading at a pre-kindergarten level. But through using reading strategies, reading at home, and working with Nunn, the child now reads at an end of first grade level.

“Israel has made two years reading growth in only five months. He works very hard and he is learning so much — he has just taken off, and has absorbed information like a sponge,” Nunn said.

When asked what types of reading material he most enjoys, the first grader said he likes fantasy stories and funny stories. He also likes to write about what he has read.

He said the reason people read is to “learn information about things.”

In his spare time, he watches television, plays with toys and collects Pokémon cards. He also is a fan of football.

When Israel grows up, he would like to be a scientist.

“I want to make and invent things [in the future] we don’t have now,” he said.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

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