Preschoolers 'read for the record'
A pajama party during school hours? What could be better? Getting to hear a great story like Llama Llama Red Pajama and have a snack thats what.
Pre-K children came to school October 6 wearing their PJs as part of the Read for the Record campaign to promote literacy and the importance of reading as well as help solve Americas early education achievement gap.
10/21/2011
|
Florida's First Lady Announces Top Summer Literacy Adventure School
Tallahassee FL - Floridas First Lady Ann Scott along with the Florida Departments of Education State and Environmental Protection today announced that Reedy Creek Elementary School in Osceola County had the highest number of participating students in the Summer Literacy Adventure with 478 children pledging to read 7124 books. The Adventure was created as a way to encourage students to read and visit their local public libraries over the summer. Overall more than 8000 students statewide pledged to read a total of 101261 books this summer as part of the Adventure.
10/9/2011
|
Academie Students Finish 500 Hours of Reading
Back to Announcement new
Embed Share Photos 2
Photos
Credit Alex Tiegen Credit Alex Tiegen Add your photos videos Academie Da Vinci Charter School students celebrate 500 hours in a reading incentive program that will help buy food for villages in need around the world.
The Dunedin Rotary Club is awarding the school $500 on Oct. 4 that they will in turn use to buy an animals for hungry people in villages and countries to be chosen later by the student council.
Academie Da Vinci students finished 500 reading hours in 11 days according to the Rotary Club.
10/4/2011
|
Literacy PSA contest announced
WTXL ABC Channel 27 Tallahassee 09292011
TALLAHASSEE Fla. The Florida Department of Education in partnership with first lady Ann Scott and the Florida Department of State announced the 2012 Celebrate Literacy Week Florida Public Service Announcement PSA contest. This year's theme focused on the theme Take the Lead and Read. Celebrate Literacy Week Florida is a weeklong celebration of reading and lite...
10/3/2011
|
Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks off at the East Library
usic and the smell of chicken rice and homemade mole sauce filled the East Library as Joseph Moreno sat behind a laptop screen.
Moreno of Mexico was studying and practicing English with his family who moved to Clearwater about 10 years ago.
English is important for work he said but also for communicating with friends online. Also it is frequently the second language of those from a vast array of nations.
9/21/2011
|
Local educators recognized for promoting literacy
September 20 2011 816 PM
Katie Tammen
Daily News
Several local educators have been recognized for their contributions to literacy in the schools.
Okaloosa County was recognized in three categories and Santa Rosa County in one for their efforts according to a news release from Just Read Florida
The Florida Department of Education organization was formed in 2001 as part of a movement to increase reading proficiency among students.
9/21/2011
|
Hispanic Heritage Month Kicks Off With Recommended Reading List
TALLAHASSEE - In celebration of this years Hispanic Heritage Month the Florida Department of Educations Just Read Florida Office announces the 2011 Hispanic Heritage Month Recommended Reading List. The list is designed to encourage more Florida students to read and learn about the rich cultural diversity and countless contributions of the worlds many Hispanic cultures....
9/16/2011
|
First Lady Scott to honor International Literacy Day
TALLAHASSEE Fla. - In partnership with the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida First Lady Ann Scott will host students from Buck Lake Elementary and local home school students to celebrate International Literacy Day.
9/12/2011
|
My Word Reading turns toil into triumph
Orlando Sentinel 09082011
Today is International Literacy Day. For most of us this title conjures thoughts of reading a favorite novel or teaching our children the fundamentals of grammar. But I know that for the 20 percent of our community who are nonreaders literacy is the difference between the life they want and a life they reluctantly accept. Not able to fill out a job application read instructions on medication...
9/12/2011
|
September Is Florida Literacy Month- Celebrate In A State Park
TALLAHASSEE In honor of Gov. Rick Scott signing a proclamation designating September as Florida Literacy Month the Florida Department of Environmental Protections DEP Florida Park Service will celebrate with special events at state parks and libraries statewide. The fifth annual Florida Literacy Month will be celebrated in conjunction with International Literacy Day Sept. 8 and National Library Card Signup Month. Floridas state parks will offer free entrance Sunday Sept. 11 to visitors who bring a library card library book or who donate a new or gently-used family-friendly book.
9/12/2011
|
11th-hour effort wins reading race
BROOKSVILLE Brooksville Elementary School has been named the winner of a national reading challenge and earned top ranking in a world record book in part thanks to employees staying up late plugging in last minute numbers to keep the No. 1 spot.
As another Florida school and one from California rapidly jumped ahead in the Scholastic Summer Challenge rankings Wednesday by submitting millions of logged reading minutes by students at their respective schools BES officials jumped in to do the same staying up until almost midnight while electronically entering in data based on minutes students spent reading throughout the summer and at school.
9/6/2011
|
First Lady Ann Scott Takes Summer Literacy Adventure to the Suwannee River
August 1 TALLAHASSEE The crystal clear springs and majestic manatees were just a few of the Florida treasures that highlighted First Lady Ann Scotts visit to Fanning Springs State Park today during her Summer Literacy Adventure. Mrs. Scott was joined by representatives of the Florida Department of Education DOE the Florida Department of Environmental Protection DEP and the Florida Department of State DOS in advancing the literacy skills of students in the surrounding region during the summer break.
The adventures this summer have been plentiful and reading and literacy have helped our students use their imagination to journey to so many places said First Lady Ann Scott. Fanning Springs State Park is a great area to explore and learn about our states precious resources and Im thrilled to share in the Summer Literacy Adventure with students in the region.
8/5/2011
|
First lady Ann Scott's Summer Literacy Adventure
Tallahassee Fla. - First lady Ann Scott visited Fanning Springs State Park today during her Summer Literacy Adventure. The event focused on advancing the literacy skills of students in the surrounding region during the summer break.
The adventures this summer have been plentiful and reading and literacy have helped our students use their imagination to journey to so many places Scott said. Fanning Springs State Park is a great area to explore and learn of our states precious resources and Im thrilled to share in the Summer Literacy Adventure with students in the region.
8/5/2011
|
Summer Reading How to Get Your Child to Love It
Educators say students leaving school for the final day this year ought to mind the gap on their way out the summer reading gap that is.
Research shows that students who read regularly during the warmest months do better on readings skills tests the following school year than those who do not. This can have devastating consequences for students who may be struggling of course. But even if a child is not struggling in reading educators say three months is too long of a break.
8/5/2011
|
Canal Point Elem. featured on state Education Departments new YouTube channel
In January students at K.E. CunninghamCanal Point Elementary took first place for a public service announcement they created that promotes the importance of literacy in Florida as part of Celebrate Literacy Week Florida
Today as the state Department of Education announced the launch of its own YouTube channel the Canal Point students video was front and center featured as the main video on the website.
The video sponsored by the schools broadcasting teacher Brian Zimmerman features a student reporting on the supposed superhero track championship.
7/27/2011
|
A teacher's novel way to help students
By CATHERINE COCOZZA
Guest Columnist
'How have they made it this far without being able to read?
That is the frequent response from people when I mention that I am a high school reading teacher.
My reply begins with an attempt to clear up the misconception that underlies this question.
My students know that letters represent sounds and that when certain letters are placed next to each other the sounds form words. I know people automatically picture me teaching the alphabet to a bunch of 16-year-olds when I say I teach reading.
Fortunately that image doesn't reflect my students or my task.
7/26/2011
|
Third Grade Reading Skills - A Benchmark Gains Ground
July 5 2011
BOSTON - Third-grade reading skills are becoming an education benchmark in light of numerous studies that show proficiency at that point is linked to the likelihood of high school graduation.
The superintendent of one of the largest school districts in the country recently signed a contract where he'll be judged by the reading performance of third-graders. The Los Angeles superintendent is the first in the country being held to that standard which is increasingly being viewed as a school improvement measure in Massachusetts.
7/5/2011
|
Summer reading not just for kids
WESLEY CHAPEL --
It practically borders on conspiracy the way adults band together to nag children about reading during the summer break.
Teachers put in last-minute pleas to encourage students to rack up reading minutes so their brains get a workout during the weeks of academic downtime.
Libraries arrange summer reading programs to lure children to the printed page. The Florida Department of Education releases a lengthy list of suggested books grouped by grade level.
Youngsters who crack open Buffy the Burrowing Owl or Sarah Plain and Tall should know they aren't alone. Many adults while away the summer engrossed in page-turning thrillers life-affirming memoirs or nonfiction tomes with intellectual heft.
6/27/2011
|
Florida First Lady Ann Scott encourages you to take the summer reading pledge
Tallahassee Florida - Have you taken the pledge yet?
Florida's First Lady Ann Scott is encouraging schoolchildren and their parents to take a summer reading pledge.
On Wednesday she read to a group of children in the historic lodge at Wakulla Springs State Park as part of Florida's Summer Literacy Adventure. The program challenges Floridians especially students to read as many books as they can this summer.
Studies show students who read throughout the year are better able to retain their knowledge.
Ann Scott says she has taken the pledge and has five books on her summer reading list.
6/20/2011
|
Improving literacy among Hispanics is key to 2020 goal
With the latest Census data indicating that one in six U.S. residents is Hispanic this steadily and rapidly growing segment of the population is going to be critical in helping the nation achieve President Barack Obamas goal of re-establishing the country as the worlds leader in college attainment by 2020.
As a sobering backdrop to the presidents goal a recent Pew Hispanic Center survey revealed that while 89 percent of Latinos ages 16 to 25 say that college education is important for success in life only 48 percent plan to get a college degree. In todays economy 80 percent of jobs require some education beyond a high school diploma yet only 53 percent of Americans earn some sort of postsecondary degree or credential.
Hispanic families generally have high aspirations for their children to pursue higher education but they often lack the resources and support needed to achieve this goal. There is a direct and effective way to help more of these families tap into the promise of higher education.
6/20/2011
|
Could Cooking Be a Route to Reading?
Photos
A while back Patty Wimmer a volunteer business-partner liaison at S.P. Livingston Elementary School in West Jacksonville had an experience that left her both saddened and enlightened.
She was shopping at the Winn-Dixie on Normandy Boulevard she told me when she overheard two women discussing whether to buy some turkey pot pies.
They decided no - because the label said the pies were microwavable.
They said 'These are no good because you can only microwave them' Wimmer recalled. I came over looked at the boxes and said 'No look they say you can put it in a 350-degree oven.'
But to the women the word microwavable meant microwave only - which revealed a degree of functional illiteracy. Wimmer said she thought about how many women like them were probably rearing children who were struggling to read.
6/10/2011
|
Reading is Fundamentally Fun
by William Coach Jackson and Nancy Fancy Nancy Rentz
Andrew Robinson Elementary
There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots the other wings.Hodding Carter
The Reading Celebration at Andrew Robinson Elementary was attended by characters from storybooks ranging from the Cat In The Hat High School Musical Clifford The Big Red Dog Naruto Star Wars Captain Under Pants Spiderman Billy Goat Gruff Skippy John Jones Ramona Quimby other novels kids books and works of fiction and nonfiction.
6/10/2011
|
Innovative teacher finds ways to entice students to discover books
Almost every day Cedricka Solomon Tyquan Stewart and a few of their classmates go camping.
But the survival skill they learn when they gather beneath the tent in Chelsea Matthews class at Northwestern Middle School is one that will one day prove more useful in society than in the wilderness.
That skill is reading.
Read more at Jacksonville.com httpjacksonville.comnewsschools2011-05-24storyinnovative-teacher-finds-ways-entice-students-discover-booksixzz1NQN5sOwa
5/25/2011
|
Principal in Naples sleeps on roof of school all in name of reading
NAPLES Fla -- An elementary school principal in Naples goes to the extreme to keep her promise to her students. The very unique bet is taking where she goes to sleep to new heights.
Golden Terrace principal Kim Lonergan told her students that she would sleep on the roof of the school after a bet she made with them eight months ago.
In September Lonergan read a book to her students and in that book the principal of the school challenged students to read at least one book.
Read more httpwww.winknews.comLocal-Florida2011-05-18Principal-in-Naples-sleeps-on-roof-of-school-all-in-name-of-readingixzz1MvFWUYat
5/20/2011
|
A Trial Run for School Standards That Encourage Deeper Thought
Until this year Ena Baxter an English teacher at Hillcrest High School in Queens would often have her 10th graders compose papers by summarizing a single piece of reading material.
Last month for a paper on the influence of media on teenagers she had them read a survey on the effects of cellphones and computers on young peoples lives a newspaper column on the role of social media in the Tunisian uprising and a 4200-word magazine article titled Is Google Making Us Stupid?
4/25/2011
|
Common U.S. school standards debut in Hillsborough first
TAMPA - Some local school leaders are calling it the biggest education issue in decades.
And it has nothing to do with teacher tenure merit pay or even the budget deficit.
It's the creation of Common Core State Standards a set of uniform academic benchmarks for kindergarten through grade 12 that provide more rigorous instruction so students nationwide are college and career ready.
Forty-eight states including Florida have adopted the standards introduced last year by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers and endorsed by the Obama administration.
4/25/2011
|
Students 'Feel the Need To Read'
TAMPA PALMS - For the second consecutive year students from area Title I schools rallied at Freedom High School for a day of fun activities and a reading celebration.
Freedom High senior Elisa Berson and club members of Caf Freedom welcomed about 300 students from Forest Hills Mort MOSI Partnership and Riverhills elementary schools to campus March 11 for the I Feel the Need To Read Literacy Festival.
Forest Hills is the newest addition joining the other three elementaries that participated last year. As Title I schools a significant portion of their students receive free or reduced-price lunches.
It's been great to see all the smiling faces participating in the literacy event said Berson the festival coordinator at Freedom.
3/23/2011
|
Reading is fun for entire family
NEW PORT RICHEY - Kindergartner Anthony Dipaolo Jr. wants to teach his little brother Andrew two important skills how to drink from a cup using a straw and how to read.
Anthony's love for reading led him and his father Anthony Dipaolo Sr. to Wednesday's literacy breakfast at Moon Lake Elementary. The event which was for kindergartners first-graders and their families was intended to encourage kids to read and write and to educate parents about how to make literacy a part of their children's lives.
3/14/2011
|
The First Family of Reading Bushes in Bonita Springs to celebrate literacy
NAPLES Three generations of political royalty celebrated reading and how it has bonded their family.
One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the opportunity to learn very early in life just how much joy and wisdom comes from the pages of books said former Florida Governor Jeb Bush during a press conference before the start of the 11th Annual Celebration of Reading at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort Spa in Bonita Springs. I am incredibly proud that my own children have inherited the reading gene and are taking this literacy movement to new heights.
More than 800 people -- including the former governor his wife Columba Bush his mother former First Lady Barbara Bush his sister-in-law Former First Lady Laura Bush as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott and his wife Ann Scott turned out for the event. Former President George H.W. Bush was absent due to a family friends death.
2/14/2011
|
Jacksonville school's students are 'Reading Rappin' and Having Fun'
In a cafeteria full of fifth-grade students standing on their toes to catch a glimpse Vincent Taylor asked Who's ready to meet Cornbread?
The Long Branch Elementary children are off-the-wall excited as they waited to meet his book's character in person Friday.
This is what Taylor who's also math coach at the Jacksonville school loves to see.
As an author this is one of the most gratifying experiences Taylor said about seeing children having fun with his books and learning from them.
Read more at Jacksonville.com httpjacksonville.comnewsmetro2011-01-31storyjacksonville-schools-students-are-reading-rappin-and-having-funixzz1D0WykNH7
2/4/2011
|
Florida's First Lady Announces Winners of Literacy Contest
TALLAHASSEE The winners of the Celebrate Literacy Week Florida statewide public service announcement PSA contest were announced today by Florida First Lady Ann Scott. The announcement was made at the Capitol in Tallahassee as part of a week-long celebration that highlights the importance of literacy and reading in our everyday lives. Joining Mrs. Scott were Mark Wilson President and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Leon County Schools Superintendent Jackie Pons and Stu Greenberg Executive Director of the Department of Educations Just Read Florida office.
Im proud to celebrate literacy this week. I love to read and Im excited that children across the state are discovering the same passion for reading First Lady Ann Scott said. I hope everyone takes a moment this week to pick up a good book.
1/28/2011
|
Two Bay area schools win Literacy Week contest
TALLAHASSEE --
The winners of the Celebrate Literacy Week Florida statewide public service announcement contest were announced Thursday by Florida First Lady Ann Scott. Two of the winners were from the Bay area.
The two Bay area schools that won the contest were Spessard Holland Elementary from Polk County which came in second place and Crews Lake Middle School from Pasco County which came in first place.
To enter the PSA contest students created a short announcement that highlights and promotes the importance of literacy in the state of Florida.
1/28/2011
|
More than 1500 people reading to students for Literacy Week
TALLAHASSEE Fla - In continuation of Celebrate Literacy Week Florida representatives from state and local law enforcement agencies the Florida Department of Health DOH and the Florida Department of Education DOE will read to children in classrooms throughout the state. The effort encourages students to read while fostering partnerships between state and local agencies community organizations and schools.
Celebrate Literacy Week Florida demonstrates how reading impacts us each and every day and provides us with an excellent opportunity to recognize just how important this critical skill is in our lives said Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. Im so thankful to our law enforcement and agency partners for finding the time to engage in such a rewarding activity and although this week will have to come to a close I hope the celebration of literacy will personally continue for each of us year round.
Read more httpwww.winknews.comLocal-Florida2011-01-26More-than-1500-people-reading-to-students-for-Literacy-Weekixzz1CIJ97Xsb
1/27/2011
|
Author Edward Bloor to Sign Books in West Kendall and Kick Off Literacy Week
Barnes Noble Booksellers MetaMetrics developer of The Lexile Framework for Reading and Find a Book Florida the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation will host a Celebrate Literacy Week Florida kick-off event at 6 p.m. on Monday Jan. 24 at Barnes Noble Booksellers in West Kendall 12405 N. Kendall Dr.
The event will feature prominent Florida author Edward Bloor a former English teacher who has shared his book Taken with students statewide through the Departments interactive Literacy League book club.
Bloor will be available to talk about his work and sign books all of which have been assigned Lexile measures including his most recent title Taken . He has also written four other books for teenagers Crusader Story Time London Calling and the award-winning Tangerine. The New Jersey-native is a graduate of Fordham University and has worked as a book editor in addition to teaching English in Florida public schools.
We are very excited to be able to kick off Celebrate Literacy Week Florida with such a huge multi-dimensional partnership said Florida Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. The attendance of Mr. Bloor and the generosity of our partners make this a perfect opportunity to create a renewed focus on student literacy in 2011.
Read more httpwww.miamiherald.com201101222028205author-edward-bloor-to-sign-books.htmlixzz1ByniaeD7
1/24/2011
|
Our view Celebrate literacy -- read a book
St. Johns County public school students join their counterparts across the state starting Monday for the third annual Florida Department of Education's Celebrate Literacy Week. Champions Read Readers Lead is this year's theme. The goal is to motivate students and adults to pick up a book and read.
1/24/2011
|
Santa Rosa students celebrate reading
Walt Disney once said There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island. If that is true then why do many people not realize the value of reading and literacy?
1/20/2011
|
Researcher Finds Easy Solution for Test Anxiety
A simple writing exercise can relieve students of test anxiety and may help them get better scores than their less anxious classmates a new study has found. The report in Friday's edition of the journal Science says students who spend 10 minutes before an exam writing about their thoughts and feelings can free up brainpower previously occupied by testing worries and do their best work.
1/15/2011
|
Florida schools ranked No. 5 in U.S. according to Education Week
Two months before the start of the next legislative session new Florida Gov. Rick Scott and Republican lawmakers have been handed a gift in their bid to continue an aggressive makeover of state schools a Top 5 ranking for those schools from a credible independent closely watched source.
Florida's education system is No. 5 in the country according to the latest annual Quality Counts report released this morning by Education Week the newspaper of record for American education news.
Yes you read that right No. 5 in the country. In fact it's up from No. 8 last year and No. 11 the year before. And now in the same rarified air as school systems in Maryland New York Massachusetts and Virginia.
1/12/2011
|
Florida website offers tips on teaching writing
A new website for Florida teachers offers tips research and lessons on teaching writing skills.
One tip is that learning to write well is like learning to paint well - study the masters and practice daily.
The Florida Department of Education launched the site called FL WIN Florida Language and Writing Initiative Network on Monday.
Read more httpwww.bradenton.com201012212827384florida-website-offers-tips-on.htmlixzz18l3AGJLe
12/21/2010
|
Men Encourage Boys to Embrace Books
LAKELAND Aldreco Chappell a third-grader at Blake Academy in Lakeland says he's shy.
That's why he's never really enjoyed reading in front of others. But Aldreco or Dreco for short is becoming a more confident reader since he began participating in the school's reading program for boys.
Blake Academy is one of the schools in the county to join the School District's Polk County Men Read a program intended to help reluctant readers 'by showing them an example of a male reading' said Jacqueline Rose Polk County Public School's senior coordinator for Library Media Services.
According to Rose over the years research has shown that boys are less likely to read than girls.
11/23/2010
|
Hollywood event kicks off literacy program
After an evening of fierce game playing Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. Middle School teacher Kanika Frazier was primed to score with her students as part of Publix's Reading for Touchdowns program.
Teachers from the tri-county area attended the literacy program's recent kickoff event at Dave Buster's in Hollywood.
I was able to mingle and meet with teachers from around the county and talk about best practices in their school as well as mine said Frazier a Dania Beach resident who teaches gifted language arts at the Fort Lauderdale school. Several teachers from my school attended the event and I found the event to be a great way to get to know them and see how passionate they are about encouraging students to read.
10/12/2010
|
Reading One for the books
Today thousands of children will be aiming to set a world record not for athletics but for something that makes the mind agile.
They'll be trying to see how many of them can finish reading the same book on the same day - during an event called Read for the Record.
Since 2006 Jumpstart a nonprofit organization that focuses on early childhood education in partnership with the Pearson Foundation has been sponsoring Read for the Record.
The event's goal is to support early learning by turning reading into a happening. It does that through encouraging adults to pledge online to read with a child or many children - and then fill out a confirmation form afterward.
10/11/2010
|
Braden River High School students explore movie making
EAST MANATEE Tiffany Campbell loves reading and writing and has always thought about career paths that involve the two.
I would love to be an editor or journalist says the 14-year-old.
Now the Braden River High School sophomore sees script writing as a possibility.
A class project she and about 15 of her classmates have been working on piqued her interest in script writing. And with the TV production company Sanborn Studios coming to Lakewood Ranch she is encouraged about the career possibility.
10/1/2010
|
Early reading initiative arrives in Flagler County
PALM COAST -- The Dolly Parton Imagination Library pulled into Flagler County Wednesday with a lot of residents already on board with the reading program.
The Imagination Library begun by the singer in her native Tennessee provides a free book every month for children from birth to age 5. Children born after Sept. 1 2010 in Flagler County are eligible for the program. Parents can register their children at the local website FlaglerImaginationLibrary.org.
Wednesday's kickoff event began with milk and cookies to give attendees a chance to talk about their favorite books growing up. Program emcee Laura Zee introduced the event speakers which included John Birney from the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce Affiliates Leadership Flagler Class 18. The Leadership class chose the reading initiative as its homework assignment as part of the Chamber training program. Other speakers included Circuit Judge Sharon Atack.
10/1/2010
|
Detained juveniles get EXTRA PUSH to read
The 17-year-old youth offender says he felt like his life story was prewritten. The juvenile who as of Thursday had been locked up in the Manatee Regional Detention Center for five days claims he was set up for a theft he didnt commit. Still he knows hes in there until his next court date is set. And he vows hell abide by the house rules at the Department of Juvenile Justices Fifth Stree...
8/24/2010
|
State to consider adoption of new national standards Tuesday
Floridas Department of Education has scheduled at 10 a.m. press conference call tomorrow to consider the adoption of the Common Core State Standards for English and Math. Its believed the state will adopt the sweeping education benchmarks at tomorrows meeting. So far over 20 states have adopted the uniform standards.
7/27/2010
|
Summer reading gets plug from US officials to keep kids sharp
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood told a very important audience Wednesday about a very important train.
With 85 children gathered round he brought to life The Little Engine That Could. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joined with him in asking the excited K through 5th-graders questions about the story -- and answering their questions about everything from trains to the Obamas.
7/26/2010
|
AmeriCorps bolsters literacy across Palm Beach County
AmeriCorps members in Palm Beach County are working to improve the reading and writing skills of local children and adults.
Working in settings such as schools and Boys Girls Clubs 24 AmeriCorps members have taken on numerous professional and personal challenges this year.
It's about making a difference said AmeriCorps Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County member John Benson 25 who is tutoring students this summer at Imagine Chancellor Charter School at Lantana.
7/12/2010
|
A deluge of books in an underwater sea
SAMOSET As he stood on a pile of sand under a giant beach umbrella outside his Samoset Elementary classroom 6-year-old William Salisbury stared at a sea of blue before him.
You have to put this on to breathe because the room is filled with ocean water he said as he reached into a nearby bucket and grabbed a bead necklace meant to represent a breathing apparatus.
In an effort to encourage reading teachers at the school have created an underwater classroom complete with a submarine a crab trap and a coral reef. Its all part of the water-themed Florida Department of Educations summer reading list.
7/7/2010
|
FCAT scores show continuing gains in upper grades
For years elementary school students made steady strides on the reading FCAT while students in upper grades made more modest improvements. Now to some extent the reverse is happening.
Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores for lower grades were relatively flat or declining this year while scores for middle and high school students rose in every grade for the third straight year according to results released Tuesday.
The year-to-year changes are small. But since 2005 for example the number of ninth graders reading at grade level has moved from 36 to 48 percent while the number of tenth graders doing the same has ticked up from 32 to 39 percent.
6/30/2010
|
Student inspired Douglas Anderson teacher to begin a new career
The story had been hidden in a desk drawer for a decade when Debra Webb Rogers decided to pull it out and share it with Alexia King.
Rogers who teaches dance at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville had been assigned to mentor King a dance student who was struggling to pass her reading Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.
6/29/2010
|
Summertime reading takes to the outdoors
Summer has arrived and the Florida Department of Education DOE and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection DEP are encouraging students to head outdoors with a book from DOEs 2010 recommended summer reading list. The annual reading list part of DOEs Just Read Florida mission is designed to promote nature-based literature while fostering in students an appreciation for the both reading and the outdoors.
Reading outdoors is a great way to foster environmental stewardship in Floridas students said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. By promoting literature focused on Floridas diverse natural resources we hope to harness students interest in academic success as well as environmental protection.
6/25/2010
|
There are great things happening in our schools
Last month our schools participated in Celebrate Literacy Week Florida According to the Florida Department of Education this event promotes literacy throughout the state by raising awareness of the great things happening in school districts and the programs and projects offered by the DOE and its partner agencies and organizations. Most of all the objective is to promote the enjoyment of reading for children and adults of all ages.
West Navarre Intermediate School''''''''s students enjoyed reading events throughout Literacy Week including a full day of guest readers such as Superintendent Wyrosdick School Board Member Diane Coleman other local community leaders and parents.
6/25/2010
|
NH professor pushes for return to slow reading
CONCORD N.H. AP -- Slow readers of the world uuuuuuuu...niiiiite
At a time when people spend much of their time skimming websites text messages and e-mails an English professor at the University of New Hampshire is making the case for slowing down as a way to gain more meaning and pleasure out of the written word.
Thomas Newkirk isn't the first or most prominent proponent of the so-called slow reading movement but he argues it's becoming all the more important in a culture and educational system that often treats reading as fast food to be gobbled up as quickly as possible.
6/21/2010
|
DeLaura reading teacher wins state award
Tina Rice a reading teacher in Brevard County since 2002 was named the 2010 Just Read Florida Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Florida Department of Education.
Just Read Florida aims to help every student become a successful independent reader.
In January teachers were invited to participate in the literacy award by submitting an application which was reviewed by state...
6/9/2010
|
FCAT scores show rise in reading
The percentage of Florida third-graders reading at or above grade level on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is on the rise this year while the elementary students appear to be stagnant in their performance on the math section.
According to data released Thursday by the Florida Department of Education 72 percent of the 205639 third-graders tested in reading scored at or above their grade level earning them a score of 3 4 or 5 on the exam. This is up 1 percentage point from last year.
5/31/2010
|
Miami-Dade students excel on national reading exam
Miami-Dade fourth- and eighth-graders tallied high marks on the national reading exam outperforming their peers in New York Boston Atlanta and Los Angeles.
In particular Miami-Dade's Hispanic students shone. They scored higher than their counterparts in any other large city where the test results are studied and well above the national average for Hispanic students.
Black eighth-grade students also bested the average among their counterparts in other big cities according to data released Thursday by the federal Department of Education.
Read more httpwww.miamiherald.com201005201640390dade-students-excel-on-national.htmlixzz0oyriR4JV
5/25/2010
|
Analysis Ties 4th Grade Reading Failure to Poverty
Eighty-five percent of poor 4th graders in predominantly low-income schools are failing to reach proficient levels in reading on federal tests according to a new study by a national foundation that is gearing up to lead a 10-year effort to raise 3rd graders reading proficiency.
The evidence is clear that those students who do not read well have a very tough time succeeding in school and graduating from high schools and going on to successful careers and lives Ralph R. Smith the executive vice president of the Baltimore-based Annie E. Casey Foundation said in an interview. The Casey Foundation is putting a stake in the ground on grade-level reading by the end of the 3rd grade.
The report which is due to be released this morning lays out the statistical case for the foundations soon-to-be-announced 10-year initiative to ensure that more children become proficient readers by the time they leave 3rd grade.
As part of the new campaign the report says the foundation plans to join with other philanthropies to finance reading-improvement efforts in a dozen states representing different geographic regions in the country. But Mr. Smith said details of that new venture will not be available for another two months.
5/18/2010
|
Coaching of Teachers Found to Boost Student Reading
Denver
An innovative study of 17 schools along the East Coast suggests that putting literacy coaches in schools can help boost students reading skills by as much as 32 percent over three years.
The study which was presented here on May 1 during the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association is as notable for its methods as for its results. Its among the first of what many scholars hope will be a new generation of studies that offer solid clues not only to what works but also when under what conditions and to some extent why.
The study finds that reading gains are greatest in schools where teachers receive a larger amount of coaching. It also finds that the amount of coaching that teachers receive varies widely and is influenced by an array of factors including relationships among staff members and how teachers envision their roles.
5/6/2010
|
Florida School Bus Driver Creates Library on Wheels
Video from NBC Nightly News
4/29/2010
|
Blocker and two Orange County Principals named Reading Leaders of the Year
Superintendent Ronald Blocker and principals Margaret McMillen of Boone High and Kathryn Shuler of Mollie Ray Elementary have been named the 2010 District Reading Leader of the Year by the Florida Department of Education.
The award acknowledges educators for their commitment to literacy among all students and for the ability to foster excellence in literacy education.
4/26/2010
|
Lithia teacher wins state reading award
TAMPA - Tiffany Melovich who teaches at Bevis Elementary School Lithia is Florida's Reading Teacher of the Year for elementary schools.
Melovich was honored by the state Department of Education's reading initiative Just Read Florida. She was one of five finalists for the elementary award.
A Brandon native and Bloomingdale High School graduate she has taught at Bevis for seven years. She previously taught at Bryan and Folsom elementary schools.
4/26/2010
|
Local school bus driver controls chaos with books
SAMOSET The scene was chaotic inside yellow school bus No. 546 carrying elementary school children.
There was horseplay.
There were fist fights.
And it was really noisy.
Rosemary Kookyi Peterson 63 had been driving the bus to Samoset Elementary for years and the disorder had her at her wits end.
Then three months ago she had a revelation.
As she lay in bed one night praying for wisdom on how to control her disorderly riders she recalled a teacher telling her that many children struggle with reading with half of them enrolled in after-school tutoring.
She decided shed start a bus book club and reward children for reading with tempting prizes like skating rink tickets jewelry and snacks.
3/26/2010
|
National Assessment Results Showcase Floridas Long-Term Reading Successes
Florida one of only nine states to achieve significant increases in eighth grade reading scores
TALLAHASSEE Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith today announced Florida's 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress NAEP Reading results. The results show that Floridas eighth-graders made significant increases in their overall reading scores this year tripling the increase seen by the nation since 2007. Additionally the states fourth-graders continue to outpace their national counterparts in reading by a large margin.
These latest reading results represent whats possible when dedicated teachers involved communities and effective reform policies combine to benefit children said Commissioner Smith. As exciting as these results are I believe that the future holds even greater promise as we continue our efforts to secure Race to the Top funding and work to build on the solid foundation that has made our state so successful.
Since 2003 every state in the nation has been required to participate in NAEP so 2003 serves as the most accurate starting point for comparing long-term performance trends. The 2009 NAEP Reading results indicate that since 2003 Floridas fourth and eighth grade students have increased their overall reading scores by eight and seven points respectively compared to a four point gain for the nations fourth-graders and a one point gain for eighth-graders.
3/25/2010
|
Hillsborough County Bus Driver Wins Literacy Award
Timothy Driggers a school bus driver with Hillsborough County Schools was honored with the Celebrate Literacy Award for implementing a literacy program on his school bus. The annual award is given by the Hillsborough County Council of Parent Teachers AssociationsParent Teacher Student Associations PTAPTSA and the Hillsborough County Council of the International Reading Association. The nomination application described how each morning while waiting for school to start Driggers would read to Lomax Elementary Magnet School students in an expressive voice and with an infectious laugh. The students are so enthralled with the stories that they are reluctant to leave the bus when school starts. So far this year Driggers has read eight chapter books and plans to keep on reading. Congratulations
3/9/2010
|
Area schools participate in statewide literacy program to advance students’ skills
LADY LAKE — On Friday afternoon, in a kindergarten classroom at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake, Linda Schwartz sat cross-legged on a colorful rug across from two students.
“What is this sound?” she asked, tapping her finger to a reading flashcard.
“Ruh-rain,” she said, emphasizing the first part of the word. The two girls followed along.
“Good girl!” Schwartz said, her voice exuding encouragement and enthusiasm.
The Village of Santo Domingo resident is a regular fixture in the school, and volunteers three to four times a week in the same classroom. She said much of her work is helping the students assemble the building blocks of their education, including learning to read and write.
1/28/2010
|
Horse inspires young Florida students to read
A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tallahassee, Florida - A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tuffy the quarter horse is the only horse in the nation that's officially registered as a student, according to the state Department of Education
1/28/2010
|
Students learn character from Tuffy
Quarter Horse travels Florida, teaching grade-schoolers about hard work and courtesy
1/28/2010
|
Area schools kick off Literacy Week
Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson read a book to a group of Hartsfield Elementary and Gadsden Elementary Magnet School students in the Capitol courtyard to kick off Literacy Week.
All week long the importance of reading will be acknowledged in and out of the classroom.
"The ability to read opens many worlds for kids, enables them to learn about far off places, people and things," Bronson said. "But they may not realize it until they are motivated by others."
Motivation is why Bronson and other volunteers will be in the classrooms all week to read to children.
1/27/2010
|
Deltona High literacy promotion takes 3rd in state contest
Deltona High School took third place -- and won a $250 gift card -- in the high school division of a state-sponsored contest for public service announcements promoting literacy.
The winners were announced Monday as Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp kicked off the state's second annual Celebrate Literacy Week in a ceremony in the Capitol rotunda in Tallahassee.
1/27/2010
|
Horse inspires young Florida students to read
Tallahassee, Florida - A horse that's registered as a student in Florida's public school system is inspiring young readers.
Tuffy the quarter horse is the only horse in the nation that's officially registered as a student, according to the state Department of Education.
Tuffy is enrolled as a second grader at East Milton Elementary School in the Panhandle and his mission is to promote reading. He's the subject of a book, told in first person, that's being circulated in schools.
1/27/2010
|
This week, take time to teach reading
Reading is still fundamental. Emphasis on fun.
On Monday, Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp led the charge to promote literacy through the Department of Education's second annual Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! The event at the Capitol was attended by the requisite groups — schoolchildren, dignitaries, teachers, state employees, and Tuffy, the only horse in the state to be enrolled in the public school system.
1/27/2010
|
Santa Rosa Schools: Saddling up for literacy
Celebration of literacy begins Monday, W.H. Rhodes Elementary School to receive 900 books, and a Pace resident remembers the Haitian people.
Tuffy goes to the Capitol
Tuffy, a horse used to promote literacy and positive character, has been invited to the Capitol in Tallahassee on Monday for the kickoff to Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!
1/26/2010
|
Department of Education to kick off literacy week today
The Department of Education will kick off Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! this morning at the Capitol.
The 11 a.m. event will include special guests Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson; Florida Surgeon General Dr. Ana Viamonte-Ros; Director of Capitol Police Dennis Bustle; and Tuffy, the first and only horse to be enrolled in the Florida public school system.
1/25/2010
|
East Milton student part of Literacy Week kickoff at Capitol
For a while Monday morning there will be some horse sense outside of the Florida capitol buildings in Tallahassee.
Tuffy, the All-American Hero quarter horse, will play a part in the kickoff of Literacy Week in the State of Florida on Monday.
Florida Agriculture Commission Charles Bronson will be reading to a group of students from Gadsden County while Tuffy looks on as part of Just Read, Florida.
“This is a huge honor for us,” said Kyle Holley, who is the owner of Tuffy, a registered second grader at East Milton Elementary School. “This is our way to give during a difficult time across the entire state.
1/25/2010
|
Most kids in kindergarten came ready for reading
TAVARES - About 90 percent of Lake County's 5- and 6-year-olds entered kindergarten last fall with the skills they needed to start learning to read, according to a recent state report.
The state Department of Education released the results of its kindergarten readiness screening last week – an annual test that showed that Lake kindergarteners again outperformed many of their peers in the region.
1/12/2010
|
Early learners are better prepared
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s kindergartners are entering classrooms with better foundational skills, according to the 2009 Florida Kindergarten Readiness screening results released Wednesday by the Florida Department of Education.
Administered within the first 30 days of kindergarten, the screening measures a student’s knowledge and understanding in seven areas: language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social and personal skills, physical health and fitness and the creative arts.
“Early learning is essential for future success and I’m thrilled that more students are entering school better prepared and ready to learn,” said Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith.
1/7/2010
|
Reading Aloud to Teens Gains Favor Among Teachers
Mention teachers’ practice of reading aloud to their students and a typical image comes to mind: In a cozy corner of an elementary classroom, youngsters are gathered on a rug, listening intently to Charlotte’s Web.
But, in fact, many teachers across the country are reading to students in middle and high schools, too, and some education researchers say more teachers of adolescents ought to be using the same strategy.
1/7/2010
|
Governor Crist Applauds Success of Holiday Book Drive
Florida foster care organizations receive books during the holiday season.
Friday December 25th, 2009
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist lauded the success of the Governor’s Holiday Book Drive, an effort to collect book donations for local foster children, families and foster agency workers. The book drive collected more than 550 books for foster children across Florida .
“The annual book drive is a wonderful opportunity to give the gift of reading to Florida ’s children longing for the love and support of a forever family,” Governor Crist said. “I pray that the New Year brings them joy and happiness, and the gift of a permanent, loving home.”
In addition, Scholastic Books and Principle Woods Publishing generously donated 1,600 books through Volunteer Florida Foundation. Florida Department of Education/Just Read! also kindly donated 100 books. SKB Consulting Group helped facilitate the donation of the books.
12/28/2009
|
Reach Out and Read helps break the cycle of poverty
day in America, there are more than 11 million children age 5 and under who are living in poverty.
Millions of these children will arrive on the first day of kindergarten already well behind their peers, unprepared to read and learn. Despite the billions of dollars Americans have invested in reading recovery programs, those children are highly likely to never catch up, placing them at increased risk for absenteeism, dropping out, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.
If we want to break the cycle of poverty and help children realize their tremendous innate potential, we must target children before they enter school, making it a priority to help them develop the basic skills that will enable them to excel.
12/28/2009
|
Gadsden County Kids Stayed up Late to Stop, Drop and Read
Gadsden County Kids were told to do three things after school this week and that was stop, drop and read. The porch light signaled that there was reading going inside! And actually, it was more like a reading party!
12/17/2009
|
Educators Try New Ways to Spark Interest in Reading
LAKELAND | If students can't comprehend what they read, they can't pass the FCAT to graduate.
If they can't graduate, they can't get a decent paying job.
That's the reality facing 70 percent of Polk County's 10th-graders who couldn't read at grade level last year.
Reading teachers face myriad problems when trying to teach these students. Some students have problems pronouncing vowel sounds. Others just don't put forth the effort because they are bored
12/14/2009
|
Tougher FCAT is coming, and it's just what we need
It's raining outside, and I have three very bored fifth-grade girls on my hands. I've got an idea, kids. Let's take the FCAT! They look at me like I'm crazy. So to make this interesting, I propose that we make it the high-school reading FCAT, the test required for graduation. This intrigues them.
12/7/2009
|
River Ridge High students use fairy tales to promote reading
NEW PORT RICHEY
A girl with no name — call her Every Girl — sits alone in her bedroom, refusing to read because it's just no fun.
Suddenly characters from her favorite movies appear, singing the songs she loves, explaining that their stories come from the books she rejects.
The Scarecrow from Oz in particular surprises the girl.
"You're in a book too?" she asks. "Are there other characters in books that aren't in movies?"
11/17/2009
|
Students In Gadsden Take Time To "Stop, Drop and Read"
"Stop, Drop and Read!"
That's what kids in Gadsden county will be doing every night from six to eight, if their parents and teachers have any say in it.
The initiative is geared toward raising reading scores by having kids flip through the pages of their favorite books each night.
You'll know who is reading by their front porch light, and the students couldn't be more excited.
"Try to get a book and read because it helps you and it will help you in life," said Demarcus Haggins, a reading fan from Gadsden Elementary Magnet School.
"It's very important to read because it builds your vocabulary and it shows that you're interested in reading," said Al'Tianna Baker, student at Gadsden Elementary Magnet School and an avid reader.
11/17/2009
|
Teacher memorialized in school's new reading area
The rigid wooden chairs never enticed students to kick back with a book in Wellington Elementary School's library.
But this school year started with something softer for children to settle into: A Harry Potter reading nook created in memory of a teacher who for a quarter century helped the school's children leaf through pages and learn language.
The school in late October dedicated the nook to Fran Shane, who in May 2008 died at age 59 after five years of trying to beat breast cancer.
11/16/2009
|
Tis the Season of Giving ~ Help Kids in Need
Kids love the holiday season, so it’s a great time to teach them the joys of both receiving and giving gifts. Families can get into the holiday spirit by supporting Volunteer USA Foundation’s holiday book drive.
It’s simple…Volunteer USA is collecting gently-used or new Magic Tree House books, a favorite series among young readers. Your child might consider writing a personal message in the book to share with the next spellbound reader.
Volunteer USA has a goal to collect 25,000 new and used Magic Tree House books for our Teen Trendsetters™ program, where high school volunteers step in to mentor struggling 2nd and 3rd graders each week.
Please send books to: Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, Florida 34474…or, you can donate $5 or more so we may purchase new books for children. Make checks payable to: Volunteer USA Foundation, 516 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
11/16/2009
|
Star QBs for FSU, FAMU promote reading to kids
Christian Ponder and Curtis Pulley are well known for being able to read defenses.
The quarterbacks for Florida State and Florida A&M universities showed off their reading skills for a new audience Wednesday, the students at Hartsfield Elementary.
Ponder and Pulley had some high-powered company, including Tallahassee Mayor John Marks and the Big-Headed Beaver and Friends, the mascots from the Character Center. The reading event was part of a national initiative, Raising Readers.
11/5/2009
|
HELP KIDS BY DONATING USED “MAGIC TREE HOUSE” BOOKS!
Kids love receiving and reading their favorite books. And, the Magic Tree House books series is a great favorite among young readers. Help us support children , by passing on your family’s gently-used Magic Tree House books. Your child might consider writing a personal message in the book to share with the next reader. Volunteer USA has a goal to collect 25,000 new and used Magic Tree House books for our Teen Trendsetters™ program, where high school volunteers step in to mentor struggling 2nd and 3rd graders each week.
Please send books to: Teen Trendsetters Reading Mentors, 5970 SW 1st Lane, Ocala, Florida 34474
Or, if you prefer, you can donate $5 or more so we may purchase new books for children. Make checks payable to: Volunteer USA Foundation, 516 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Please spread the word and share this message with your family and friends to make a difference in the lives of children.
10/21/2009
|
DOE announces Hispanic heritage reading list
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Florida Department of Education's Just Read, Florida! Office announced the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Month Recommended Reading List.
Selections are included for readers of all ages to raise awareness and create interest in the legacy and contributions of Hispanic Americans to Florida's culture and lifestyle.
10/7/2009
|
Let's promote reading skills for all
With a growing immigrant population, an increase in high-school dropouts and the disturbing fact that 20 percent of our Central Florida residents read at or below a fifth-grade level, today's businesses face a growing labor pool with low literacy skills.
Companies need employees who can read, write, solve problems, perform basic math, use basic computer skills and communicate effectively in English with each other and their customers — particularly in these tough times when employers are trying to do more with fewer staff members and resources.
Today is International Literacy Day, a time when we should recognize the profound negative impact that low literacy has on the workplace. Experts estimate that low literacy costs the American economy $225 billion a year in lost productivity.
10/7/2009
|
Our Opinion: Hungry for readers
You can walk into work on Thursday a hero, adored by a throng of riveted, pint-sized devotees and praised by hard-working men and women in your community.
All you have to do is read a book. Aloud. This may require you to use funny voices.
On Thursday, sometime between 10 and 11 a.m., hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren throughout the world will be reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," by Eric Carle as part of JumpStart's third annual "Read for the Record" event. Locally, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes have each received a copy of the book through the philanthropic Pearson Foundation.
10/7/2009
|
Pasco educators trying to improve reading scores
LAND O' LAKES - It's a mystery that has tugged at Florida educators for years.
Based on Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test scores, elementary school students with excellent reading skills see their reading proficiency drop to mediocre by the end of middle school and plummet to abysmal in high school.
That leaves school board members and educators puzzling over why students would suddenly forget how to read by the time they reach 10th-grade.
One theory is that the high school version of FCAT is too difficult, a claim that is lent some credence by national reading exams in which Florida students outperform many of their peers across the country.
10/7/2009
|
As students struggle to keep up in reading, more is expected of them
Almost one-third of Brevard County public high school students can't read at grade level. That's 5,118 struggling readers out of the district's 18,293 high school students -- enough to fill two of Brevard's 15 public high schools, according to a FLORIDA TODAY analysis of this past year's Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test results.
8/10/2009
|
Nonprofit awards educators for spreading literacy
An organization trying to improve reading skills in pre-kindergartners named a director of Malena's Mini School as its first Appleseed preschool teacher of the year.
Pamela Broughton, a director for the school, received the award Wednesday from the nonprofit known as ECARE, an acronym for Every Child a Reader in Escambia.
6/25/2009
|
Florida Department of Education Releases Summer Reading List
In celebration of World Environment Day, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a recommended summer reading list that promotes the beauty and adventure found in many of Florida’s natural wonders. Selections in the list provide a focus on Florida’s State Parks but also offer information about other unique ecological se...
6/10/2009
|
FCAT scores up again statewide
More Florida students than ever are reading and doing math at grade level, according to FCAT results released Thursday. The state''s students are also doing better in science, though fewer than half were proficient on that section of the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test this year. Statewide, the percentage of students reading at grade level is up 14points since 2001
5/29/2009
|
A doggone good reading program
ENGLEWOOD -- Pet therapy dogs are helping struggling young readers overcome the stress and stigma of under performing in the first of the Three Rs, local educators and animal workers say.
The Englewood-based Suncoast Humane Society has 32 teams of trained therapy dogs and handlers that visit area schools, libraries, assisted living facilities and private homes, bringing furry joy to scores of appreciative fans.
Best of all, it's free.
On the second Monday of each month, dog-and-person teams show up at the Elsie Quirk Library so children can read to tail-wagging acclaim in an environment free of criticism.
"They sit there and read and the dogs sit there and listen and they all pet the dogs," said Cris Walton, the senior youth librarian at Elsie Quirk.
5/11/2009
|
Printer Friendly
Custom Search