The Webutuck Teachers’ Association organized the 2nd annual Literacy Fun Day.
School was in session on Saturday at Webutuck Elementary School. But it wasn’t the children sitting at desks… it was their parents! The Webutuck Teachers’ Association organized the 2nd annual Literacy Fun Day. The event provided language and reading strategies to parents so that they can support their children’s literacy development. “Parents want to help their children succeed academically,” stated WTA President and speech therapist Rebecca Garrard. “But with work, sports practice, getting dinner on the table, it’s difficult to find the time. We wanted to provide parents with some fast, simple things they can do that will help their children become better communicators and better readers.”
The event was funded by a grant from the Webutuck Quest Educational Enrichment Fund, part of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The grant was awarded to Rebecca Garrard, Karen Thompson, Monica Baker, Kari Mahaffey, and Stefanie Milot. These Webutuck Elementary teachers, along with Special Education teacher Pat Carmody, conducted the workshops.
While the parents were in class, the kids enjoyed themselves in the gym, where volunteer teachers set up craft and activity stations. At the end of the morning, prizes were raffled off and every child was given a book to take home and enjoy with their families. Parents left with one additional thing… homework! “Read with your child every day,” stated Garrard. “It’ll make a huge difference in their lives!”
