3rd Annual Literacy for Life - Nevada Appeal

Literacy for Life kicks off
Nevada Appeal: 9.22.2011 by Teri Vance

The Nevada Appeal is kicking off its third annual Literacy for Life series, aimed at drawing attention to efforts in the community that promote reading.

As in years past, we will take a look at the members of our community who struggle with reading — both native and non-native speakers, children and adults — and the resources available to them.

We understand that a literate community is a well-informed and better functioning one.
This year we also will focus on the traditional reader. Whether you always have a book on your nightstand or read only the occasional novel recommended by a friend, we want you to participate.
Reading can broaden your understanding of the world and inspire you.
Don't take that for granted. READ MORE !

Singing literacy: September 23, 2011
Heather Light's sons are too young to read. But that doesn't mean the 2- and 3-year-old boys can't start learning the primary skills.

“As a teacher, I know that emergent reading begins at home,” she said. “Even if they can't read, they need to know how books work. If they're excited about it, they'll want to read once they get to school.”

That's why she takes Max, 3, and Luke, 2, to activities at the library, like the one offered Thursday at the Carson City Library.

In place of the traditional storytime, Kathryn Hill led toddlers and their parent

La alfabetización — language of literacy: September 30, 2011
Although she has lived in the United States for 15 years, Loyda Herrera hasn't needed to learn English.

“Before, I didn't worry about it,” she said in Spanish. “But things have gotten harder now. If you don't speak English, you can't find a job.”

So for the past two years, she's dedicated herself to learning the language, studying with the English as a Second Language In-Home Program of Northern Nevada.

The program, run by volunteer Florence Phillips, pairs students with volunteer tutors, often working one-on-one in the student's home.

For the love of Reading: October 7, 2011
For as long as Challen Wright can remember, he's loved books. As a child, he begged his parents to read him more than one bedtime story, sometimes negotiating up to five or seven a night.

“I really liked them reading to me,” he said. “But I really wanted to read myself.”

And as he's grown, the passion has grown with him.

Serving as a library aide at Carson Middle School last year, he learned the Dewey Decimal System. It became the perfect solution to the challenge he was having organizing his books at home.

“It's really good because now I know where each book should go,” he said.

Literacy for Life: Reading for a better life: October.14.2011
Leyco Rivas has a college degree in education management. She's worked as an elementary schoolteacher and, for 11 years, she trained and supervised other teachers with the department of education.

But all of that was in Nicaragua. When she moved to Carson City four years ago, she was turned down for a job as a dishwasher.

“I was so frustrated,” she said.

She knew literacy in her new language was the key to getting ahead.

“I believe that education is very important,” she said. “I knew I needed to learn English if I wanted to be educated here.”

Taking English classes at Western Nevada College along with weekly tutoring sessions from Carson City Literacy Volunteers, she is poised to take her GED, a requirement to enroll in college here, as well as the citizenship test. [ Series ]