© 2009 Teach to Read
The Latest from the Caribbean
In May this year I visited Carriacou and Petite Martinique for the last time in my role as trainer and project leader. Now local Phonics Leaders are able to take over the job of supporting their colleagues and training new teachers. Systems for monitoring the project are in place and local Education Officers will ensure progress.
Jackie Day came with me in May. For more about the project, read the article she wrote for SEN Magazine.
And here is an article from Grenada Broadcast.
Reading Reform Foundation Conferences
The next RRF Conference in 2010 has an impressive group of speakers, as well as workshops to help you choose resources for teaching struggling readers effectively. For more details, click here.
The last RRF Conference was held in London on Friday 7th November 2008. As usual, all the talks were interesting and informative.
Nick Gibb, MP, told us about progress in government in connection with the teaching of reading and answered questions.
Jim Curran told the fascinating story of his efforts to find the best way to help his secondary school poor readers.
Rhona Johnston explained how synthetic phonics worked in Clackmannanshire.
Diane McGuinness told us about the poor provision for young offenders who cannot read, and Fiona Nevola talked about her experience with these young people.
Katie Ivens told the history of the successful Butterfly Reading School in London.
Lorna Jackson and Leah Marshall explained the importance of structures and management in ensuring phonics was well taught at their successful school.
Marlynne Grant described how results improve with effective phonics teaching.
I hope Marj Newbury will have many opportunities to influence those in the educational establishment, following her hilarious and horrifying talk about the effects of government directives and paperwork in her reception class. The Early Years Foundation Stage Framework really is a disaster!
To read these talks in full, and Gertrude Niles’ and Chris Jolly’s in 2007, click here .
House of Lords Reception
On 8th November 2007 Baroness Sally Morgan hosted a House of Lords reception for Gertrude Niles, Education Officer of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Gertrude came to England to speak at the Reading Reform Foundation (RRF) Conference about the success she has had introducing synthetic phonics to Grenada. Her talk was amusing and inspirational.