With help from a grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, Ms. Grochowski’s second grade class at Saluda Elementary School uses puppets and cooperative learning groups as tools when learning literacy skills. The students work in teams to write scripts based on reading assignments and then perform them through impromptu puppet shows. Grochowski said the use of puppets makes learning fun and provides a practical application for developing communication skills. Pictured is Jade Scarborough, who says “I love using puppets because they’re funny and it’s like they’re coming to life!” (photo submitted by Ronette Dill)