Mary Sloan discovered she has a love for gardening. And this Clarkston Rotarian has a skill for growing readers.
Sloan is chair of the Clarkston Rotary Club’s new Literacy Committee. The club took on the focus of literacy earlier this year after Rotary International accepted the challenge.
‘As a former teacher, I realize how important it is to have a good foundation in reading,? said Sloan. ‘That is close to my heart and led me to this program.?
To kick off their literacy focus, the Rotary hosted speaker Catheryn Weiss, director of the Oakland County Literacy Council. Weiss spoke on the council’s literacy program ‘Reading Seeds.?
‘Reading Seeds? is part of a parent workshop program geared towards families who are at-risk for literacy. The workshop teaches parents strategies to develop early reading skills in their children. The goal is for parents to help their children have an easier time learning to read, thereby helping them be more fluent readers.
At the end of the workshop, the parent is given a book to use to practice the skills learned with their children. If there are children who attend the daycare portion of the workshop, they are also given a book.
‘We need to teach parents how to promote literacy,? said Sloan. ‘If they can make that point with these parents in this program, I think they are on the right track.?
The Rotary Club decided to assist the program by holding a book drive beginning this week (Jan. 25) and running through the beginning of March. Sloan said their goal is to collect 200 books.
‘We can even extend that date and the goal if the drive goes well,? Sloan added.
The Rotary Club is collecting new and like-new books for ages birth through third grade. Early readers, picture books and cardboard books are best.
‘Students at Renaissance High School are helping us by raising money to purchase books,? explained Sloan. ‘They are investigating titles they feel would be appropriate for this project. Perhaps area children and teachers have a favorite title they can recommend for residents to donate.?
Book donations can be dropped off at Rotarian Jeff Lichty’s office at 5854 S. Main St.; at The Clarkston News office at 5 S. Main St. or with any Rotarian.
For more information or a book suggestion, please call Mary Sloan at 248-625-8837. A book suggestion list is also available at the drop off box in The Clarkston News office.