Posted by: Bethany on 02/07/2008 12:42 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 02/07/2008 08:45 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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First 5 Brings Latino Family Literacy Program to Calaveras ~ By Bethany Monk
Valley Springs, C.A….First 5 Calaveras is sponsoring a free 10-week Family Literacy Program for Latino families beginning February 12. Classes will meet from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Valley Springs Elementary…..
Carmen Olavarrieta
...Those who complete the program will learn a variety of tips and techniques, in both English and Spanish, that they can use when reading to their children, said Carmen Olavarrieta, one of the course instructors. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion at the last class meeting April 29.
The program is geared toward Latino parents and guardians of elementary school age children, and will involve family reading, vocabulary development and language development, according to a pamphlet about the course. The program also includes multilevel English language lessons that teach new vocabulary, verb conjugations, grammar and structure and conversation.
“It gives (parents) more pride in themselves,” and helps them learn how to help their children with reading, said Olavarrieta, who is also a Valley Spring Elementary Kids’ Place paraprofessional and Latino Playgroup leader.
Parents and guardians who enroll in the course will receive a free bilingual English/Spanish children’s book each time they come to class.
“You don’t want to forget your native language,” Olavarrieta said, emphasizing the program’s focus on reading in both Spanish and English. “Don’t let your children forget Spanish …. It’s a crossover to English,” she added, noting that she understands the struggles many Latino families face when arriving to the U.S. Olavarrieta didn’t know any English when she began attending elementary school in the U.S.
A lot of the Latino parents she works with understand English, but struggle with speaking or reading it out loud. “They understand a lot, but are embarrassed” to speak up or ask questions, Olavarrieta said. However, the program will provide a comfortable and encouraging atmosphere for participants, she said. Enrollment for the course is still open.
The program is also fun, interactive and gives participants the opportunity to be creative, Olavarrieta said. They even get to create a scrapbook of the course.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.
The Latino Literacy Program is funded by First 5 Calaveras, an organization that provides leadership, facilitation and funding to support and encourage families in raising healthy children, according to its Web site.
The program’s lead instructor is Stacy Silva, a Sacramento-based educator.
For more information or to enroll in the class call Olavarrieta at (209) 772-1011, ext. 3207.
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