The following is a press release from Literacy Is For Everyone:
Deputy Principal of Red Bay, Mr. Ryan Dale and members of his staff, Woody Foster, Chair of LIFE Board, Erica Del’Oglio, LIFE Programmes & Volunteer Coordinator and Erin Galatopoulos, Book Donations Coordinator. - Photo: LIFE
Deputy Principal of Red Bay, Mr. Ryan Dale and members of his staff, Woody Foster, Chair of LIFE Board, Erica Del’Oglio, LIFE Programmes & Volunteer Coordinator and Erin Galatopoulos, Book Donations Coordinator. - Photo: LIFE
Red Bay Primary School students returning to school from the extended Christmas break will soon see their classroom libraries brimming with beautiful new reading books, courtesy of Cayman’s only literacy charity, Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE).
Arriving bright and early at 8:00 am on January 19th, LIFE delivered box loads of over 4,000 high-interest, age-appropriate, leveled reading books to create classroom libraries in every class in support of literacy education.
Curated by LIFE’s Programmes Coordinator, Erica Dell’Oglio,and Book Donations team member, Erin Galatopoulos, books were selected following an assessment of individual classroom needs and then sorted, stickered and labeled according to reading levels to support children’s independent, wider reading. To generate maximum impact and optimise the books’ use as cross-curricular resources, consideration was also given to providing a balance of fiction and non-fiction, the inclusion of new titles, sensitivity to cultural and linguistic diversity,as well as the provision of a range of genres from poetry and chapter books to science fiction and reference texts.
Prior to distribution,all teachers receive training as part of their Professional Development, including insight into how to present and utilise the libraries to foster a school culture of lifelong readers. In order to encourage best practice and celebrate excellence, a LIFE sponsored competition for teachers in Key Stages 1 and 2 will seek to find the most creative and inspired classroom libraries in the school.
To celebrate their efforts, following judging on March 1st by Deputy Principal, Mr. Ryan Dale, the two lucky winners will each receive $50 Gift Certificate thanks to the generous sponsors, Foster’s Food Fair.
LIFE Executive Director, Juliet Austin said, “Creating and normalising print-rich environments in Cayman’s public schools, where children have consistent access to a choice of appropriately leveled books of different genres, is integral to young people developing a love of reading and a passion for books that will serve them for the rest of their lives. We are delighted to support Red Bay Primary School’s literacy initiatives. Investment in education is not only an investment in our children’s future, but the future of our people, our economy and our country.”
Research shows the direct correlation between high literacy levels and prosperous communities with the long-term benefits including positive impacts on crime and poverty levels, health and wellness, and the perception of women in society.
For more information on LIFE’s programmes and literacy initiatives and how to get involved as a donor or volunteer, contact Juliet Austin at info@life.org.ky or visit the LIFE website at www.life.org.ky.