Some spuds and their duds are helping some Walnut Grove Elementary second graders with their reading.  Karen Wight's class has four "Potato Head" figures, and students can both dress and read to the potatoes. 

     "I started doing this several years ago as a way to motivate the children," says Wight.  "They like having somebody to read to and they can’t always do that in the classroom.  Traditionally on Friday, that’s the changing day, when they get to dress their potato for the upcoming week.  We also use them in small groups and it’s just a wonderful way for children to practice fluency without having a person there… they get to practice without feeling that they have to be perfect.”

     Most of the spud fashions are Disney related, but the "Spud Trooper," based on the Star Wars "Storm Trooper," is one of the most popular characters in class.  Wight says students thoroughly enjoy the activity and she notices an increase in their motivation and work ethic thanks to the spuds.

    CLICK HERE for a video of Karen Wight's potato head activity.