Sunday, April 19, 2020

Literacy – Spanning North America :: State College PA :: Colton CA :: Pickering ON :: Madison WI


Literacy: Spanning North America

The Literacy in Action 
blog
Public Writing Initiative Partners Writing Class With Mid-State Literacy Council
Penn State News: 4.07.2020 by Megan Poole

On March 3, 2020, the Mid-State Literacy Council posted a special entry on their website that featured a Penn State student’s interview with a member of the State College community who had benefited from Mid-State’s educational program.

This student sought to understand the lasting effects of tutoring and literacy coursework for adults in Centre County. What that student, and 23 others, discovered is that because the global community is filled with a rich web of languages and cultures, we all benefit from expanding what we know about literacy.

This project — blogging about literacy — began under the direction of instructor Layli Miron, who brought the Public Writing Initiative into her English 30 class, “Honors Freshman Composition,” so that her students might put their writing skills to work for a local organization like Mid-State. The Mid-State Literacy Council is a non-profit organization that seeks to bring literacy in all forms to adults in Centre County. In 2019, over 200 adult learners received services at Mid-State, and nearly 250 volunteers ranging from Penn State students to retirees generously offered their time and expertise to equip community members with lifelong skills. Together, tutors and teachers help adults gain independence by earning a driver’s license, becoming citizens and acquiring job skills.

Students in Layli Miron’s English 30 class listen to Amy Wilson discuss the mission of Mid-State Literacy Council.

Because the forms of literacy needed by adults in the community range from the textual to the digital, from media to health, Mid-State’s mission is often difficult to articulate to the public. The Literacy in Action blog, as conceived by Mid-State Executive Director Amy Wilson, serves to concretize the range of literacy work accomplished by the council in Centre County.  READ MORE ➤➤

Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 16
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: College graduate

Colton Public Library Brings Forth Edutainment During Quarantine
IECN: 3.31.2020 by Manny B. Sandoval

Amidst COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, Colton Public Library brings forth creative activities for the entire family in an innovative way to connect to the community.

Since the middle of March, the library staff and its Literacy Program Assistant Thomas Robles (Library Tom) have generated Facebook and YouTube videos, inclusive of story time, a sing-a-long music segment and even cooking demonstrations.

“We began this online Library Tom Storytime series about three weeks ago. The Community Services Department is unable to engage with the community at this time, so we found a way to bring stories, music and activities to children and families in Colton and beyond,” said Robles.  READ MORE ➤➤

Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 15
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: College graduate

Clarington Public Library Offering Online Literature Therapy Sessions

The Clarington Public Library has teamed up with the Literacy Network of Durham Region to offer online bibliotherapy sessions all through April.

Bibliotherapy is the act of reading and talking about books and stories to achieve a more positive sense of wellness.

The library says the online sessions involve small groups led by a facilitator.

The facilitator will read literature, poems and other forms of the written word, then encourage participants to share their thoughts, feelings and personal interpretation of the material.

The library says this can help you reflect, strengthen your bonds to the community and develop personal resilience.

Since many people are stuck at home and unable to do the things they normally would, the library says it’s a great time to try bibliotherapy.

It can also provide an opportunity to reduce feelings of social isolation or loneliness.  READ MORE ➤➤

Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 13
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. Old
(college level entry)

Support Life-saving Efforts Of Nonprofits During The Pandemic
Cap Times: 4.16.2020 by Jeff Burkhart, Ex Dir, Literacy Network

With the coronavirus pandemic changing dangerously and rapidly each day, fear is a common and understandable response.

Now, imagine living through these challenging times if you could not understand the life-saving health guidance and "Safer at Home" orders being shared in our state and across the nation.

That is the reality for hundreds of thousands across Wisconsin.

Adults who struggle with literacy are severely impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They are among the most at-risk because they cannot comprehend health guidelines due to an inability to read, or because English is a second language. In Dane County alone, one in seven adults struggles with low literacy. That is enough to fill more than three Kohl Centers.

These individuals also face the greatest financial risk. For example, many Literacy Network learners work in service industries, and as we’ve checked in with students each week to assess their welfare and ongoing needs, we have found two alarming trends:

• First, only 2% are working from home, which means many are leaving the safety of their households and putting themselves and their children at risk of catching the virus, and
• Second, nearly 60% of those employed have been laid off or had their hours cut, with even less means to provide for their families.  READ MORE ➤➤

Based on (7) readability formulas:
Grade Level: 13
Reading Level: difficult to read.
Reader's Age: 18-19 yrs. Old
(college level entry)


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