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Help at hand for learners who need to move The Regional Literacy Co-ordination Program, which is a partnership between Capilano College, Literacy B.C.

Help at hand for learners who need to move

The Regional Literacy Co-ordination Program, which is a partnership between Capilano College, Literacy B.C. and local Howe Sound libraries, is offering a unique professional development event for Howe Sound residents in May.

"By now, most people will know that everyone learns differently," says Capilano College literacy co-ordinator, Michelle Lebeau. "In fact, there are four basic types of learners: visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic.

"Kinesthetic learners require body movement and action for optimal results: they need to move around, use their muscles, explore," she explains. "We are offering a series of workshops that will provide educators at all levels the opportunity to learn how to incorporate creative movement into their literacy and learning instruction."

Funded by the National Literacy Secretariat and the B.C. Ministry of Advanced education, this series of movement and education workshops could have a dramatic impact on the lives of children and students living in the Sea to Sky corridor. Participants may include parents, educators, childcare providers, recreation program facilitators, librarians, and others who would like to include creative movement in individual settings, whatever they may be.

While kinesthetic learners will benefit from the workshop series, non-kinesthetic learners will also benefit from and really enjoy the type of learning that involves movement. Creative movement can motivate people to understand the ideas of literature and offers a unique and enjoyable method of learning.

Respected educator and trainer, Mary-Elizabeth Manley, who has developed expertise in teaching, research, choreography and production over the past several years, will lead the workshops. Manley will present two back-to-back workshops in each of the four communities of the Sea to Sky corridor. Participants will receive direct instruction on the education theory and practice behind the benefits of incorporating movement into learning and literacy. During Celebration 2010, Manley offered two workshops entitled "Leap into Learning." Those parents who attended with their children found the workshop to be very enlightening and entertaining.

Workshops are by donation with proceeds going to local libraries. In each community, workshops will be held from 6 to 6:45 p.m. (Movement Workshop with Children) and 7:15 to 9 p.m. (Professional Development Education Theory and Practice workshop). Schedules are as follows:

• Tuesday, May 6 in Mt. Currie at the Xit'olacw Community School. Contact Jeanette Joe at 604.894.6131.

• Wednesday, May 7 in Squamish at the Squamish Public Library.

• Thursday, May 8 in Whistler at the Spruce Grove Field House.

• Friday, May 9 in Pemberton at the Signal Hill Elementary School. Contact Lynda Sampson at 604.894.2300 or 604.894.5207 (evenings) ljsamp@hotmail.com

For more information or to register, contact the program co-ordinator, Michelle Lebeau, at 604-892-5322, or e-mail mlebeau@cdo.capcollege.bc.ca .