Literacy Weeks 2024 will be from February 19th to March 1st. During these two weeks, there will be many engaging literacy-related activities for Junior School students to participate in. Back by popular demand, Junior School students will have the opportunity to join daily ‘Multilingual Read Alouds’ during snack recess. The readers each day are typically parents of MIS Junior School students and member of the PTV. The Read Alounds are very popular. Last year there were fifty or more students at each read-aloud. This just goes to show how much Junior School students enjoy listening to stories – not only in their home language but also in other languages. Several children chose to assist their parents by intermittently translating and summarizing the storyline to facilitate the understanding of others. This element of Literacy Weeks links closely with the IB program. As we all know, the IB program values multilingualism and aims to develop internationally-minded individuals. The Multilingual Read Alouds provide participants with the opportunity to listen to stories in a variety of languages. This supports students in developing language skills, while also gaining a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, fostering cultural awareness and global-mindedness.
The Junior School is grateful to have the support of many parents who volunteered to read aloud in their home language. Thank you for sharing the joy of storytelling and helping to create a positive and enriching experience for our students. This year the read-alouds will take place in the JS Library from 14:00 to 14:20. Interested parents are also welcome to attend.
Monday, February 19th: Ukrainian
Tuesday, February 20th: Turkish
Wednesday, February 21st: Japanese
Thursday, February 22nd: Arabic
Friday, February 23rd: Russian
Monday, February 26th: Italian
Tuesday, February 27th: Dutch
Wednesday, February 28th: French
Thursday, February 29th: Sinhalese
Did you know that the JS Library has a Multilingual section largely comprised of generous donations from our community? We have 22 languages available for students to borrow. These contributions reflect the diversity and richness of our community, fostering an inclusive and culturally vibrant learning environment. We will gladly accept donations of books that are relevant, engaging, and in good condition to support the students' connection to their roots and promote a love for literature in their home languages.
Stay tuned for more information about all the Literacy Weeks 2024 events coming up. The schedule of events will be shared via Seesaw just before Ski Week. It’s sure to be a fun-filled celebration of literacy for all!
-- Teri Lynn Biedenbach, Junior School Teacher Librarian