By Maya Quinn, managing editor

Numerous efforts have aimed to increase literacy rates in Greene County. However, Greene County Parks and Recreation (PARA) director Tyesha Weekes still sees a need for more intervention. On Wednesday, September 16th, Weekes partnered with C&J Resources to host a literacy strategies workshop that parents and caretakers can implement at home. Their goal is to help build confident readers and students who take initiative in their own learning. 

The Greene County Children’s Policy Council previously identified literacy and parental involvement as critical needs that must be addressed in the county. Although initiatives such as the Little Library, Story Walk, and Imagination Library have seen an increase in participation, there is still a literacy deficit within the county. Office Manager Tenesia Washington states that the organization is committed to “look at the children holistically” and meet them where they are. 

Increasing reading skills is a crucial stepping stone to building overall confidence. C&J Resources Owner and Director Chante Myles-Rice states that “If you cannot read by the third grade, it becomes a struggle.” Rice has been an educator for 10 years and has tutored for the past 6 years. She noticed that many parents are not spending enough time reading to their children or encouraging them to read. For 15 to 20 minutes a day, Rice says, “Drop everything and read.” 

Rice also informed attendees that use of an iPad and viewing short-form content does not help a child build their attention span. With three children herself, she explains that it may take building up the time in increments of 5-minute intervals. When taking breaks, Rice states that the child should be prompted with questions to build reading comprehension skills. The key is to find books that spark a child’s interest, as there are books on every topic imaginable. 

Following the conclusion of the workshop, Weekes revealed that Greene County PARA  is entering a long-term partnership with C&J Resources. Children enrolled in their after-school program will receive targeted tutoring in reading and math this fall. PARA staff is striving to “create a platform where our children can be self-sufficient.”

Featured Image: Director and owner of C&J Resources Chante Myles-Rice (L) with Greene County PARA Director Tyesha Weeks (R)