LIFE adds more books to classroom libraries
Education Ministry and LIFE representatives join others in donating books to John A Cumber students
(CNS Local Life): The Literacy is for Everyone (LIFE) charity recently donated a record-breaking more than 4,300 books to Sir John A. Cumber Primary School (SJACPS), exceeding by about 800 last year’s total of reading materials given to the school. LIFE organised the donation, with the books collected from various private firms and schools islandwide.
The majority of books will go toward enhancing individual classroom libraries, which LIFE started last year with their original donation, and will provide students with greater access to reading materials, stated a Ministry of Education press release. The in-class levelled libraries are part of a structured, independent reading programme and will also assist with LIFE’s paired-reading initiative.
The availability of reading materials is the first essential element in the creation of supportive literacy environments. Classroom libraries provide access to a range of levelled reading materials to stimulate and develop all students’ love of reading. Research has indicated that a child who reads voluntarily reads more often, said the release.
Education Minister Juliana O’Connor-Connolly said of the donation: “It pleases me to see the generosity of LIFE and its partners. It is through partnerships such as this one that we can continue to strengthen a child’s love for learning and inspire them to be seekers of knowledge.”
LIFE and the ministry are continuing their work of establishing in-class levelled libraries in every Key Stage 1 Government classroom, which covers Years 1-3. LIFE and its partners have helped SJACPS move toward their goal of 15 books for every child, and the charity is continuing to raise funds for their Classroom Libraries Project.
LIFE executive director Marilyn Conolly said of the charity’s efforts: “LIFE is pleased to support the excellent work of classroom teachers in developing literacy from a very young age. We will continue to be accountable partners with the Ministry of Education and work together to make a difference, One book. One child. One classroom at a time.”
For more information about the Classroom Libraries Project, call 938-6300 or email LIFE
Category: Books, Community, Donations, Education, Language, Primary School, Schools
