Eight Expands Free Early Literacy Workshops to Yuma

Nov. 21, 2011

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PHOENIX…Nov. 21, 2011…Free literacy workshops aimed at stimulating brain and language development in children from birth through age five are coming to the Yuma community beginning Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011. The six-workshop series already is underway at more than a dozen locations in North Phoenix and Tempe with nearly 300 participants. Eight’s Educational Outreach department conducts the workshop series funded by Arizona’s First Things First.

Open to the public, the locally-based early literacy workshops take place in schools, churches and community centers. Parents, grandparents and educators may attend only one workshop or the entire series at no charge. The workshops are bi-lingual with both Spanish translation and free childcare available for children five and under.

“These literacy workshops show parents, grandparents and teachers how to use quality PBS educational programs and content to help their young children get a head start on reading,” said Kimberly Flack, Eight’s associate general manager – education. “Like First Things First, we are committed to helping Arizona’s youngsters arrive at school ready to succeed. The support from these two First Things First Regional Partnership Councils to work with Eight and grow this early literacy project is invaluable.”

This six-workshop literacy series focuses on different learning topics: changes in a child’s brain, strategies for reading aloud, creating a literacy-rich environment, incorporating poetry and music, making media an educational experience and finding safe, online literacy resources. The workshops are two hours long, focusing first on caregivers and educators. In the last half hour, caregivers work with their children to gain confidence in newly learned skills. Attendees also receive a complete packet of resources, including tip sheets, a children’s book and DVD.

In Yuma, the workshop series will be available at two locations – the Foothills Library and the Main Library in the Yuma County Library District. Those interested can register online at asset.asu.edu and click on “Yuma Early Literacy Project Workshops” or by calling (602) 496-7004. Space is limited to 25 participants per location at the following dates and times: