Put reading on front burner – Principal

The parents and students of the Kingstown Government School have been urged to embrace literacy on a year-round basis.{{more}}

The call was made by principal of the school Maureen Brackin and Literacy Coordinator Arthalie Doyle, as the school launched its annual literacy week programme of activities yesterday.

The week of activities began with a march around Kingstown, followed by an assembly at the school’s compound at Stoney Ground.

The students, who were decked out with hats promoting reading and literacy, along with a number of supportive parents and teachers, were reminded by Brackin that the frenzy of teaching or reading should not come around at the Ministry of Education’s annual Reading Extravaganza.

“The teaching of reading must be systematic, visionary, well-planned and ongoing… we must also give priority, and place at all times the teaching of reading on the front burner,” said Brackin.

The principal advised the students to believe that the virtue in this year’s Reading Extravaganza lies in their efforts and not the prizes to be gained.

She urged them to continue paying attention to their spelling, grammar and vocabulary when reading, and called on parents to provide support and direction for their children.

Doyle indicated that the week of activities includes students from the school visiting persons in the community and reading to them today; with the in-house reading and composition competition slated to take place tomorrow.

On Thursday, parents and friends of the school are expected to visit and read to the various classes, with the grand finale set for Friday, when all classes will showcase their literacy skills.

The week of activities is taking place this year under the theme: ‘Today’s Reader, Tomorrow’s Leader.’