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In June, two members of VSRA - Mary Southerly and Ann
Peltier- spent two weeks in Winneba, Ghana
training teachers and working with fourth grade children
at-risk in reading. The project was recommended to VSRA by IRA and was financially supported in part by VSRA.
After the presentations to 75 teachers in a two day
conference, the VSRA group visited in schools, teacher
lessons and observing classrooms. After long
discussions with the Ghanian project coordinator, Mrs.
Comfort Boison from the University of Education in Winneba,
Ghana, we are enthusiastic about developing our partnership.
Plans for the future include financial support of a
third conference for
teachers in June 2006, collections of quality children's literature, the development of
reading instruction materials to help equip a teacher
training center, and participation in the creation of a
children's library in Winneba, Ghana. VSRA will plan
to return to Ghana in the summer of 2007 for the fourth
annual conference.
There will be a one hour presentation at the VSRA
Conference. Plan to attend this for more information
on how you can be a part of the Ghana Project. |
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VSRA
International Literacy Observance
I.
School Needs:
We would like to focus on the collection of
professional books for teachers and books for children at
all reading levels, particularly early reading level books.
Download application here
if you are interested in participating in the next trip to
Ghana!
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II.
Teacher Resource Center:
We plan to help equip a teacher
resource center which would provide Comfort with materials
for instruction in how to teach reading.
Materials needed include current professional books,
current manipulatives reflecting best practices such as word
walls, phonics manipulatives, games, etc.
III. Adopt a
School
A council or school is invited
to adopt one of the schools visited. Comfort has
agreed to oversee the exchange of supplies and to ensure
that all materials are used appropriately.
IV. Help Create
the Children's Library of Winneba
There is a lack of books in
Ghana. In the five schools, we saw only 4 dilapidated
tradebooks. Comfort is working to create a children's
library in Winneba which would not only have children's
books, but also computers and places for after school
classes. Those wishing to donate through VSRA should earmark the
check for the "Winneba Children's Library." |
