We are in the middle of Kansas Literacy Week.
On KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Wednesday, Emporia State Teachers College Literacy Center Director Tasia Markowitz said early literacy remains a focus for educators statewide — and she says there are a lot of nontraditional ways to build literacy among young readers.
The Literacy Center works with childcare centers, teachers and parents. Markowitz says the center has helped to expand the reach of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which gives free books monthly to children from newborn to age 5. Its links to Emporia State have led to other connections across the state.
Literacy Week is taking place as the state continues training educators through the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling program, bolstered by $15 million approved by the Kansas State Board of Education two years ago. Nearly 8,000 teachers have completed training through the program, with registration underway for the next training cohort beginning in January.
There are several general themes for the rest of Literacy Week:
*Wednesday: Read a book in a unique space
*Thursday: Read or recite a favorite nursery rhyme
*Friday: Find letters everywhere
*Saturday: Visit a library
*Sunday: Share a book with grandparents or family members
Find the Teachers College Literacy Center on Facebook for more information about Literacy Week activities.
