Hiland Park Elementary School

PANAMA CITY, FL – Two Hiland Park Elementary educators are making waves in the literacy community by bringing a bit of "flavor" to the art of teaching writing. Jaclyn McNeal and LaTarsha Ukazim recently took the stage at the Bay County Reading Association (BCRA) Conference to present their innovative session, “Writing with Flavor.”
The presentation focuses on a multi-sensory approach to writing—a method designed to break the mold of traditional "pencil-to-paper" instruction. By engaging sight, sound, smell, and touch, McNeal and Ukazim demonstrate how teachers can help students unlock a more descriptive and sophisticated vocabulary.
Beyond the Basics
The "Writing with Flavor" philosophy centers on the idea that if a student can experience a concept through multiple senses, they can write about it with much greater depth. During the session, the duo shared practical strategies for:
 * Boosting Engagement: Using hands-on "hooks" to grab student attention from the start of a lesson.
 * Expanding Language: Moving beyond basic adjectives to help students find "spicier," more precise word choices.
 * Sensory Scaffolding: Providing students with physical prompts that translate directly into vivid narrative and informational writing.
Leading the Way in Literacy
The BCRA Conference is a key event for local educators to share best practices, and the selection of McNeal and Ukazim highlights the high caliber of talent within Hiland Park Elementary.
> "Our goal is to show that writing doesn't have to be a daunting task for students," the presenters shared. "When you add sensory engagement, you’re not just teaching them how to write; you’re teaching them how to observe the world."
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Hiland Park Elementary continues to prioritize professional development and innovative leadership, ensuring that students benefit from the most effective and engaging instructional techniques available today.
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