Older Hawks Take Younger Hawks Under Their Wing

LaRue County Middle School students recently stepped into the role of teachers, guiding kindergarten and first grade students through a unique literacy and nature-based project. What began as weeks of preparation culminated at the HES Nature Trail, where middle schoolers became role models for their youngest peers.

The project paired middle school students with younger children to share autumn- and Halloween-themed books, followed by hands-on activities that brought stories to life. Along the trail, student-built scarecrows represented main characters from the books, giving children a chance to see their favorite stories in three dimensions.

Eighth grader Xavier Cruse described the experience:
“We split into groups, and the middle school students read books to the younger kids. They really listened, asked questions, and got involved with the stories. Afterward, we had them do a quick project connected to the book. It’s simple enough for kindergartners and first graders to enjoy, but it also helps them really experience the story.”

Classmate Houston Harris highlighted the connection to nature:
“On the HES Nature Trail, we built scarecrows to match the books we read. After the children finish the story, they walk the trail and see the characters come to life. It helps them understand the story better and makes the whole experience more fun.”

For middle school teacher Abby Lee, the project was about more than literacy. Students spent weeks designing lesson plans, building activities, and receiving feedback from teachers and administrators. They then brought their plans to life with younger students, gaining skills as leaders and communicators.

“We wanted to make this a connection piece,” Lee explained. “How can our middle school students give back to our youngest Hawks, and how can the youngest see our middle schoolers in a positive light?”

She added that the project allowed middle schoolers to become visible role models, especially for preschoolers: “It was powerful to see our boys show these kids that learning can be fun and exciting.”

Blending reading with nature, the HES Nature Trail created a memorable experience for both groups of students. As Lee noted, it was also a lesson in citizenship: “We want our kids to give back to LaRue County, to our community. And what better way than spending a fall day reading children’s books to kids and then watching them walk through our scarecrow trail?”