Workshop aims to improve reading, comprehension skills

A workshop, led by education specialist Rick Bolton, "brings together the latest research and best practices to show everyone from elementary school students to senior citizens how to dramatically improve their reading speed and comprehension," starting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Fairfield Public Library, according to a release.

 "Although reading is a skill that needs to be developed, most people do not materially improve their reading ability after age 12. This program is guaranteed to show how anyone, with just a few hours of training, can learn to increase their reading speed from 50 to 200 (percent) while also improving comprehension," the release said.

This program also will be offered at the Library at 10 a.m. Sept. 19 in the Memorial
Room at the Main Library.

Presenter Rick Bolton has been working in education and training since 1999, most recently as vice
president, North America for Tycoon Systems, "a leader in business simulation and gamification
technologies for executive leadership training," the release said. 

Bolton  is currently completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southern Connecticut State University, the release said.  His dissertation "explores many of the causal factors that determine success on standardized tests, including the dynamics of reading," the release said.

All programs at the Fairfield Public Library are free.  To register, or for more information about this and other programs, visit: www.fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160.  Follow the
Fairfield Public library on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/fairfieldpublib and Facebook:www.facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

Reading partners sought for students in Greater New Haven

The Jewish Coalition for Literacy is seeking volunteers to become reading partners to students in area public schools.

 

The JCL is a nondenominational program that "recruits, trains, places and supports volunteer reading partners in local public schools to read one-to-one with children," according to a release. "Reading partners share the pleasures of reading and the thrill of helping a student enjoy learning."

 

No prior experience is required, according to the release.

 

An orientation and information session for new and returning literacy volunteers will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Sept. 17 at the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven, 360 Amity Road, Woodbridge.

 

Fay E. Brown, associate research scientist, Yale Child Study Center; Krista Bergin, literacy intervention facilitator, New Haven Board of Education and Cheryl C. Durwin, professor of psychology assistant chairwoman, Psychology Department, Southern Connecticut State University, are panelists who will present "best practices of reading with a child and highlight the importance of reading partners offering children a nurturing opportunity to help them succeed," the release said.

 

"In just one hour per week, reading partners make a significant positive impact on their students as they enjoy reading and conversation, sharing the pleasures of reading, enabling children to become confident readers and stronger students while improving their English language skills."

 

Further, volunteers choose the day of the week, time of the day, specific school and grade level of the student with whom they would like to work, the release said. Children who would most benefit from the individualized attention and support are selected by teachers and reading specialists.

 

For more information and to register for orientation program, email bbrenner@jewishnewhaven.org or call 203-387-2424 ex. 308.

Hamden Library’s bookshop open for 'business'

HAMDEN — The Friends of the Hamden Library’s Second Hand Prose bookshop on the lower level of Miller Memorial Library will resume its regular hours in September.
Gently used books — many like new — for both adults and children will be for sale at bargain prices on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Donations of good used books are also welcome, organizers said.

Editor's note: All information in this post was contributed.

 

Summer Reading with book groups at New Haven Public Library

By Monayzia Taylor

NEW HAVEN - Picture living a life amid extreme cultural misunderstanding.

That is the circumstance Anne Fadiman recounts in her book, “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures.”

Area residents have a chance to come and engage in a powerful conversation and discussion on the book at 6 p.m. July 21 at the New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St.

The book recounts a “medical catastrophe” that occurs as a result of the cultural misunderstanding, library organizer said in a statement.
The book discussion is sponsored by The Elm Street Book Group.

Next, on August 18, there will be a discussion on the book, “Dust Tracks on Roads,” Zora Neale Hurston’s “funny and poignant account of her rise from childhood poverty in the rural south to a prominent place among the leading artist and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance,” library organizer said in the statement.

The Elm Street Book Group meets the third Wednesday of the month at New Haven Public Library, 133 Elm St. New readers are always welcome.

Free parking is available and books are provided for checkout by the CT Humanities Council.
Free Blue State Coffee is available for those who register for the book discussion.
For more information call the library at 203-946-8835.