OUTREACH
age of technology, yet it is fundamental to their success,” said Dr. Evans who is also an instructor in the Academic Literacies Programme at Cave Hill. “These sessions are intended to hone the creative imagination of children to make the process of learning to read easier and more enjoyable. The objective is that young students can become more confident and empowered readers.” Her sentiments were echoed by Dr. Sylvia Henry , Director of the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) at Cave Hill and an instructional development specialist who was the main driver behind expansion of the reading programme. “This literacy-boosting project is particularly important at a time when the world is being impacted by a distracted generation. Reading develops focus, builds a sophisticated vocabulary, and fosters critical thinking that can help to resolve conflict. Reading increases attention span and concentration,” Dr. Henry said. She added that seniors were being targeted for a read-aloud activity that would enable them to benefit from hearing stories from books and the newspaper as well as poems and bible verses. “Research is showing that reading aloud to seniors can delay the onset of dementia through the stimulating of the brain,” Dr. Henry shared. Dr. Henderson Carter, Chairman of 60 th Anniversary Planning Committee,
Dr. Henderson Carter Chairman of the 60 th Anniversary Planning Committee
Dr. Sylvia Henry CETL's Director, Cave Hill and Instructional Development Specialist
believes the project is not only an excellent opportunity for children to advance their reading skills but it also offers the wider society another avenue to bridge the literacy gap in Barbados. “It has been some time now that local education authorities have expressed concern about a decline in literacy rates
in this country. Therefore, we can see how direct a role this project can play in addressing some of the reading deficiencies in this country,” Dr. Carter said. Reading sessions are conducted by members of the local teaching community, current and retired Cave Hill staff as well as campus student volunteers. l
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