Collier public schools offer symposium on helping parents become reading coaches

From 6 to 8:45 p.m. today, experts will be available during the district's annual Reading Symposium, held inside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Administrative Center, behind Barron Collier High School.

"Parents who attend will learn ways to help their child with reading at home," said Jennifer Kincaid, the district's reading supervisor.

There will be literacy booths with the latest reading aids, 15 breakout sessions throughout the evening dealing with various reading topics, and children's author Alma Flor Ada will give a speech entitled, "The Gift of Literacy: Home and School Collaboration."

Lisa Coto, a district reading specialist, said the evening will offer something for everyone, from those learning English as a second language to those interested in the district's reading program.

Coto's used the keynote speaker's books in her classrooms.

"I've been using her material for 15 years," she said. "The illustrations are beautiful and ... the stories' subjects are great: getting along with others and thinking about the kind of person you are."

The district has a balanced literacy program: instruction organized so there's a "balance" of reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing.

There are four main components:

* Modeled Reading: The teacher reads aloud to improve listening skills, build vocabulary and help with reading comprehension.

* Shared Reading: The teacher and students read and reread from an enlarged textbook to develop comprehension skills.

* Guided Reading: The teacher guides a small group of students to help with understanding as well as reinforcing skills.

* Independent Reading: Students develop their own tastes in reading.

Several of the symposium's sessions will have Spanish and Creole translators.

Furthermore, child care will be provided as well as transportation in certain areas.

Buses will leave at 4:30 p.m. from Avalon Elementary School, Manatee Middle, Immokalee High and Everglades City School. Buses also will leave at 5:15 p.m. from Golden Gate Middle School.

The event is being sponsored by the school district and the Daily News.

"We want to meet the reading needs of all kinds of families," Coto said. "We'll be explaining everything from how reading is taught in the district to our technology programs."

Those interested can call 254-4000.