Popular storyteller Kaye Byrnes recently spent time with the students and families at
Fort Caroline and
Henry F. Kite elementary schools to discuss the importance of reading.
Since 1996, Byrnes has been sharing stories at schools, libraries, senior communities and many other venues.
During the school day at Fort Caroline, Byrnes presented her 'Listen, Learn, Write!' program to the third and fourth-graders. This activity helps students prepare for the Florida Writes exam and FCAT.
Later that evening, the students and their parents returned to Fort Caroline Elementary for its first Family Literacy Night. Byrnes shared her innovative way of telling stories so the family members could take it back with them and share the love of storytelling at home.
"Having stories in your home - whether you are listening to them, hearing them or reading them - helps your children become better readers and writers because they are being exposed to language."
Byrnes also encouraged parents to read with their children and talk to them about what they are reading.
"Teachers are dedicated to what they are doing, and they are trying hard to help students learn to read, be good writers, master math and learn about the world, but they cannot do it alone. The teachers need your help at home."
Throughout the evening, families also had the opportunity to attend the book fair in the media center for the book fair, and were offered ice cream and freshly made waffle cones by a Kilwin’s cart vendor.
Byrnes stops at Henry F. Kite Elementary...
A few days later, Henry F. Kite Elementary hosted Byrnes as part of their International Baccalaureate authorization pursuit.
"With stories from countries such as India, Japan and Hungary, Ms. Byrnes kept the students of Henry F. Kite hanging on her every word," said Principal Deidra Johnson. "We were delighted to welcome Ms. Byrnes to our school, and we will continue to support the international mindedness of our students by offering many more experiences that reinforce the Primary Years Programme curriculum."
Byrnes will be visiting Justina Road, Chimney Lakes and Biltmore elementary schools, as well as Enterprise Learning Academy, later this month.
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