Last week, READ Center teacher Janet led a discussion about the famous Captain John Smith. After reading Smith’s biography in an easy-to-read information book that included, fun facts, trivia, and activities. The class then began a short lesson on the history of the first permanent English settlement in the New World, Jamestown, Virginia.
In addition to learning about Jamestown and John Smith, READ students also had a lesson on world geography. With a world map in front of them, they navigated the course Captain John Smith traveled from England to the shores of Virginia.
The knowledge obtained from studying geography is imperative for a well-rounded student and to building literacy skills. Geography helps us to learn a great deal about history and different eras. It teaches us about other cultures, our differences and similarities. You learn both reading and math skills which help build visual literacy. Finally, geography also depicts what kind of education you will receive, your access to jobs and transportation, and even how long you will live. With that knowledge, you can make better-educated decisions about the future.
With these lessons and many others, the READ Center instructors and volunteer tutors help READ students gain the skills they need to achieve their literacy goals. They provide the map that helps students navigate toward their goals – education, jobs, independence, better health and happiness.
Life has many roadblocks. Finding out how to navigate around them isn’t always easy. The READ Center believes everyone needs and deserves a literate life and we are ready to help adults navigate their literacy journey.
“The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.” -Wallace Stevens
