Sound instruction in Kato school

Amplifiers make a difference in class

By Robb Murray

MANKATO — Jeanne Fitterer’s Roosevelt Elementary classroom looks like any other — kids fidgeting in seats, student art on the wall, the stars and stripes hanging in the corner.

But it’s the differences that matter here.

Fitterer, at the front of the classroom, presides over a phonics lesson — a very audible one, at that. And the volume is crucial. A microphone hangs around her neck like a medal. Speakers in the four corners of the room project her voice. Even the kids in the back can hear her loud and clear.

They’re learning to discern differences between the “au” and “aw” sounds, trying to hear and parse the individual sounds in words such as “fault” and “thaw.”

She’s not shouting, but Fitterer’s voice commands attention. When she tells them to write, little hands across the room scribble words on their white boards.

“This is a really good example of kids learning to read,” said Anne Vaubel, a teacher who specializes in helping students with hearing loss. “Look at them ... They’re really staying on task.”

A glance around Fitterer’s room reveals why things are so different here. Over in the corner sits an amplifier. Around the room there are speakers, including over the “A” and “R” on the alphabet that runs along the wall.

This room is one of nine in kindergarten, first and second grades at Roosevelt with voice-amplification systems. Originally intended to help students with hearing loss, the systems are improving the education environment for all, teachers say.

Paid for by the school’s parent-teacher organization, the Mankato Sertoma Club and River Valley Hearing, the systems may even be improving test scores.

Fitterer said that, prior to the system’s installation in her classroom, about half the kids in her class would score at 70 percent or higher on tests. With the system, she said only three or four kids, on average, aren’t scoring that well.

It also helps, she said, with behavior management. The loudness helps keep kids’ attention, allowing her to spend less time on settling kids down and more on instruction.

Down the hall in Beth Baker’s room, most of the class huddles around to hear her read “Charlotte’s Web.” A few kids remain at their desks finishing art projects or other work. No matter. Everyone can hear Baker.

“We can hear Miss Baker a lot better, so it helps us,” student Hope Walz said. “Miss Baker doesn’t have to yell.”

Baker said she’ll even whisper into the microphone for effect — students react not only to volume but also to the manner in which something is spoken. Without the microphone, this method is simply unavailable.

Students, Baker said, adapt very well to it.

“If I don’t put it on, the kids are really quick to remind me,” she said. “Everyone pays attention ... It’s fantastic for those who would tune me out.”

River Valley Hearing and Sertoma supplied the funds to buy the first systems. The Roosevelt PTO then purchased an additional five.

Mankato Sertoma Club has given $4,000 to Mankato Area Public Schools with Sertoma International Foundation contributing an additional $1,180 to purchase additional classroom units. Those units are likely to be placed in elementary buildings other than Roosevelt.

As an international organization, Sertoma has been supporting such projects for years. Corey Kapaun, who served as club president when the club made its initial gift, said they’re happy to be able to help children.

“Maybe it means not having to put kids in the front of the class all the time,” Kapaun said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints