Early Literacy Development Workshops

by Calvin Butt

Statistics show that one of the most serious problems facing us as a Province, and indeed as a nation is illiteracy. It is a main deterrent to human resource development and many of our social ills can be traced to it.

During October and November, 2000, a series of one-day in-service sessions on early literacy development will be held at selected sites throughout the Province. These sessions will focus on helping resolve the problem of illiteracy by attacking it at its roots during the early years of child development and by providing strong foundations on which to build later educational initiatives, including regular schooling and adult literacy and learning programs. The main resource that will be used is the well-researched program, Nourishing Foundations for Literacy Development (NFLD).

The main intents of this program are to (1) make parents and others who work closely with young children (ages 0-5 years) aware that they have a very critical role to play in early literacy development and (2) educate them on how best to fulfill this role. The facilitator for this in-service will be Mr. Calvin Butt, a former assistant superintendent of education who developed the program. A copy of this seven module program will be available for each participant.

Representatives from school district offices, primary schools, family learning centres, day- care centres, literacy groups, school councils, town councils, , Lions Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, health boards, economic zone boards, churches, police, nurses, retired professionals and any other interested people are invited to attend these in-service sessions. Transportation and lunch will be the responsibility of each participant.

The proposed schedule for these sessions is as follows:
Churchill Falls, October 14
Goose Bay, October 16
Clarenville, October 23
Marystown, October 31
Corner Brook, November 07
Stephenville, November 09
Grand Falls-Windsor, November 21
Gander, November 23
Bay Roberts, November 27
St. John’s, November 29

Each person deciding to attend should contact their respective school district office or Calvin Butt (phone 786-6507; fax 786-0010; e-mail: bebutt@stemnet.nf.ca) for more information.

Literacy Expertise Roster
On Occasion, The Literacy Development Council is contacted by agencies seeking to employ a person with expertise in literacy. If you wish to include your name on the Literacy Expertise Roster, Please contact (709) 738-7323 or
1- 800-563-1111. It would br helpful if you could send a complete resume.

Volunteer Roster
The Literacy Development Council periodically seeks Volunteers to serve on committees, look after displays, etc. If you wish to add your name to the Volunteer Roster, please call (709) 738-7323 or 1-800-563-1111