April 20, 2005 – The Department of Education, Division of Curriculum Assessment and Technology, St. Croix Reading Campaign will host its Third Annual Conference on Saturday, April 23, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI), according to Zoraida Jacobs, Reading Campaign Coordinator.
The focus of this year's conference is Family Literacy. "Thus far, we have 12 workshops and the keynote address by Dr. Ruth Harrigan Beagles," Jacobs said. "Features of the conference include the Literacy Fair, where various book companies and bookstores will display products and the new addition of the Family Literacy Child Center. This center is open to the children of conference participants where they can enjoy storytelling, reading, games, puzzles, math games as well as arts and crafts."
Jacobs added that there are many unique workshops such as: Storytelling across Cultures: Arabic Crucian, Puerto Rican and French (Patois) and the Abused Children and Family Literacy panel. The Abused Children and Family Literacy panel will include persons from the Department of Human Services and the Women's Coalition. The Storytelling across Cultures panel is comprised of persons from different cultural backgrounds who will bring their own audience and tell folk stories in their native language.
Among the workshops scheduled are: Understanding Reading as an Acquired Skill, Family Literacy and Libraries, Making the Family Environment Conducive to Learning, Learning Disabilities and Family Literacy, Home Schooling as the First Family Literacy, Writing in the Family, Fathers and Family Literacy, Adult Literacy- the Basis for Family Literacy and Family Literacy Web.
The conference will conclude with the Reading Campaign Awards on Sunday, April 24, 2005 at Government House. This year, schools and community agencies that have sponsored family literacy activities will be honored. A registration fee of $ 5.00 per person is being charged through April 20, 2005. After April 20th, a fee of $10.00 a person will be assessed. Lunch will be provided for all registered participants. The Conference is open to the public. For more information or to register, contact Zoraida Jacobs at 773-1095, extension 245 or fax queries to 773-1545.
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