Search Results for: blog literacy series an introduction

Literacy Series: Programs and Projects that Support Literacy

We all know how important literacy is, and we know that there are programs available to help us with our individual needs, but how do we find them? I ran an Internet search for “literacy programs” last night and was pleased and inspired by what I found – page after page of resources. I’d like to share some of them with you. First is the Literacy Directory. When you click on this link, you’ll see a form. Just click on your town and state, and the directory will connect you with literacy programs right in your area. It just doesn’t … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: So, Just What Is Literacy, Anyway?

If you’re looking for an answer to the question, “What is literacy?” you’re going to get different answers depending on who you’re talking to. The National Council of Teachers of English have a list of communicative competencies that they use to define literacy, and they have placed visual representation on that list, which would include being able to draw a picture of what you’ve just read. (I would really stink at that – I don’t draw.) In Scotland, they broaden the definition to include math, verbally expressing opinions, solve problems, and handle information. And yet in other areas, literacy is … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: A Changing Definition, A Greater Need for Comprehension

Just what exactly is the definition of literacy? Traditionally, it has been considered to be the ability to read, write, and use language. However, as time has passed, that definition has changed to encompass a more well-rounded understanding of language, to communicate and to comprehend. UNESCO said: “Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society.” … Continue reading →

Literacy Series: Statistics on Literacy

To start off our series on literacy, I would like to share with you some statistics gathered from the National Institute of Literacy. The United Nations declared a decade of literacy beginning in 2003, and they are reporting that significant strides are being made in the right direction, with nearly 4 billion literate persons worldwide, but at the same time, that leaves 781 million illiterate adults around the world, and about 64% of those are women. Let’s take a look at more of these statistics, paraphrased for easier consumption: • 34% of the world’s illiterate adults live in India. • … Continue reading →

Literacy Series – An Introduction

Ever since I first came on to Families.com as a Media Reviews blogger in August of 2006, my main emphasis has been on literacy. I believe it is so crucial to our civilization, our education, and any progress we ever hope to make as a people. As I choose books to review for Families.com, I look for books that will aid us in that quest for personal betterment, whether it be educationally or spiritually, or often for clean entertainment. As I continue to pursue this quest, I will be posting blogs about literacy itself. I have found many fascinating statistics … Continue reading →

Educational Website: Starfall

All of us with preschoolers are concerned with literacy. We want our children to read well and enjoy it. However, teaching a child to read seems like an overwhelming tasks filled with daunting lessons. How do you teach a child how to read? The feelings come from a fear that we will not teach our children correctly and in doing so doom them forever to a life without the love of books. Well, take a breath and let me introduce you to a site that will help your child learn to read in a fun way. Starfall is one of … Continue reading →

Working: My Flexible Jobs

First, I am a PCA (personal care attendant). I work with an individual with FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorder). We work on living skills, social skills, communication skills, and anything else they may need help with. For this job each person only gets so many PCA hours per week, and they are split between at least two PCAs. So for example, one gets 21 hours per week, and they are divided between me and another PCA, so each of us get ten and a half hours a week with this one. I usually work three days with this one for … Continue reading →

Homeschool Glossary (Books Parents Should Read) B-C

As I mentioned in the introduction, new homeschooling parents should learn as much about homeschooling as possible by reading many different sources. Here continues my Homeschool Glossary of books parents should read. Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide for Parents and Teachers (Core Knowledge Series) by E. D. Hirsch Jr. and John Holdren (Paperback – Oct 1, 1996) The book list for new and prospective homeschool parents should include more than just books specifically for homeschoolers, you should also read books teachers should read. This book is a great resource to have and keep in your homeschooling library. … Continue reading →

Books for the Blind

My doctor told me that my eyesight will continue to deteriorate as I get older. I intend to fight that with lots of carrots and lutein, but I’ve often wondered what I would do if I ever went blind. I would miss seeing my children’s faces, the starry sky at night, the cute dimples in my husband’s cheeks, and I would miss being able to read. This made me wonder what programs are available to bring books to the blind. I found some I think would be very useful and I encourage you to look them over and share them … Continue reading →