Minister Nancy Allan Reads to Children

February 2, 2011

EDUCATION LEADERS READ TO STUDENTS -- WITH 21ST CENTURY TWIST

– – –
Minister of Education, Teachers' Society president and Winnipeg SD board chair put new spin on I Love to Read Month event

Education leaders launched I Love to Read Month today at Earl Grey School in Winnipeg, but it was no ordinary guest reading. Education Minister Nancy Allan, The Manitoba Teachers’ Society President Pat Isaak and Winnipeg School Division Board Chair Suzanne Hrynyk read to students from a book loaded onto the classroom’s SmartBoard.
When they were done, it was the students’ turn.  The entire class split into three groups and the Grades 1, 2 and 3 students read to their guests.
“Teaching young children to read gives parents the opportunity to spend quality time with their children.  Reading opens the door to a pastime filled with learning and fun.  It allows children to let their imagination grow and gives them the tools they need for their future,” said Minister of Education Nancy Allan.
“Reading is about engaging children’s minds and imaginations,” says Pat Isaak, president of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society.  “Teachers work very hard at instilling a love for reading in students when they’re young.  And we know that parents across the province want their children to enjoy the life-long benefits that come with the love of reading.”
“How do today’s students read?” asks Suzanne Hrynyk, chair of the Winnipeg School Board.  “In addition to paper books, they use devices never dreamed of by previous generations:  SmartBoards, e-book readers and other technologies.  Regardless of the tools they use, our schools strive to help students develop strong literacy skills and the joy of reading.”
For more information on how to engage young readers, Google “Manitoba Reading Association booklet” and click the first result.

- 30 -

The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society, Winnipeg School Division and Province of Manitoba.

*  

Nia and Friends Night of Poetry

Nia and Friends Poetry Society celebrated its first anniversary with a Poetry evening at the Caribbean Cultural Centre, 1100, Fife street. The readers were: Joanne Macdonald, Effie Aqui, Beatrice Watson and Nia DeChausay. There was a good number of people in attendance. Diane Dwarka was the emcee and she did a great job introducing members. The poetry were quite interesting and gave glimpses into the innner workings of the minds of the women. The poetry ranged from the personal to the political - a refreshing change from the other events that the community plans.

Each reader read eight poems. The poems were interesting and thoughtful as well as entertaining. After each read 4 poems each there was an intermission. Refreshment was served - punch, fruit and samoosas. I can't wait for the next reading. One woman in the audience was making a lot of ooh and aaah sounds when Nia was reading her hot love poems.

The evening ended with the cutting of the birthday cake - yummy delicious.

Since the Caribbean Cultural Centre has been sold and no word as to where they would be taking up residence, the next poetry reading is slated for Wayne Arthur's gallery on Provencher in St. Boniface. Stay tuned and you will be informed as the time draws near.

Keep checking the blog for more info on upcoming events of interest and fun.