From robots to recorders to arrows and audiobooks, grants received recently by Worthington teachers will enhance education in the classroom, said Worthington Educational Foundation Trustee Susan Petrick.

Petrick and school board member Julie Keegan gave grants out to a number of teachers during the Dec. 12 board meeting.

"We are pleased to announce we've awarded more than $10,000 in grants to these teachers," Petrick said.

Petrick said the next due date for grant applications from teachers is Jan. 7.

Applicants can find copies of the grant application form at the Web site worthedfoundation.org. All applications should be submitted electronically as e-mail attachments to Petrick at rpetrick@columbus.rr. com.

Nonie Chick, Sara Dale, Stephanie Frederick and Nicole Moritz of Liberty Elementary School received $660 to purchase magnetic letters, vowel puzzles, Scrabble tiles and other materials that allow third-grade students to engage in hands-on activities focused on vocabulary building.

Melissa Webber of Slate Hill Elementary School was awarded $703.48 to purchase 10 digital audiobooks and accompanying print books.

"The books will enhance independent reading practice and enjoyment for second-graders, with special benefits for English Language Learners, special-education students or any with disabilities or reading challenges," Petrick said.

Amy Root of Brookside and Evening Street elementary schools received $3,000 to purchase a set of 500 leveled Reading Recovery books, magnetic letters and timers to be used for ELL students in both elementary schools.

"This is the first time an ELL teacher has used Reading Recovery training with ELL students," Petrick said.

Ben Wilson of Bluffsview Elementary School received $1,452 to purchase archery equipment for students in grades 3-6 to participate in an annual biathlon unit and intramural club combining physical fitness with the National Archery for the Schools program.

Rebecca Crieg of Slate Hill received $778.84 to purchase audiobooks for sixth-graders in order to give ELL and special-education students more opportunities to hear fluent, expressive reading.

Jon Baird, Mike Miller, Debbie Voisin and Randy Ross of the district's four middle school buildings received $2,260.57 from the Grainger Fund to purchase eight Lego NXT robots for a robotics and automation unit for students in the Gateway to Technology class.

Sandrine White of Worthington Kilbourne High School was awarded $200 to purchase 10 cassette recorders, to be used by 20 advanced placement French students to prepare for the speaking section of the AP College Board French exam.

Tracy Keyes, Lynn Snyder and Michelle Banks of Worthington Estates Elementary School received $962.88 to purchase cameras for use by both teachers and students in kindergarten classes.

"The teachers will be able to take pictures and video clips to document and share learning activities and accomplishments with both students and parents," Petrick said. "The students will use kid-friendly Polaroid cameras to document their own learning and to have a means of self-assessment. They will also be taught the computer skills necessary for uploading photos to the computer to share with classmates."