Reading is focus of Literature Day
Of the three “R”s: reading, writing and arithmetic, experts have maintained that reading is fundamental. With that in mind, today the Belize National Teachers Union and the Caribbean Centre of Excellence in Teacher Training teamed up to celebrate the all important skill with a literature day and exhibition at the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall. The event was held under the theme: Every child needs a teacher … but as I found out this morning, every child also needs a parent.
Rosalind Bradley, Reading Specialist, Caribbean Centre of Excellence
?Even though we had done a lot I would say we still need to do a lot more. When we talk about working with the teachers, getting teachers motivated and interested and getting our students on par. One of the goals that we are trying to achieve is to make sure students at or above grade level. That is a big task. We have a lot of students who are doing pretty good but we have a lot of students who we need to work harder with.?
?What we think that works is we try to create a print rich classroom. We also try to work with our students in smaller groups. Because one of the challenges that our teachers face is that the classes are very large so some students just fall through the cracks even if the teachers are doing the best that they can. So what we try to do is teach our students to be independent learners. We set up centres where the students can go to these centres and work independently and work on meaningful tasks while the teachers have a chance to work with a smaller group…that way we begin to know immediately what are the shortcomings of the students and then the students are able to address that.?
?Where we find too where the students are doing well, we think the parents involvement is also critical. We know that teachers are important in school and every child needs a teacher but yes, where parents are involved, just in talking to the students, encouraging them to do the best, getting the students to school everyday is a big thing but some of the students they don?t come to school. Some of the schools that I work with that?s a big problem. It?s improving but you know, but we need parents involvement, we can?t do it alone.?
In addition to displays by All Saints Anglican, Burrell Boom Methodist, Guadalupe R.C. and Salvation Army Primary Schools, today’s activities included a puppet show, story telling and stage presentations by St. Luke’s Methodist Choir and Central Christian School.
