Project Literacy
By: Randy Moore
Updated: May 8, 2007
As part of the campaign, we will focus our family first reports on the importance of reading for the next several weeks.
Kids who have trouble learning to read often conclude that they are stupid.
In many cases, though, they are intelligent, but they have dyslexia.
Its a reading problem that is more common than you might think.
Its graduation day the masonic learning center in evansville.
At this after-school program, kids with dyslexia learn to read free of charge.
The center had 26 students this year.
Eight of them graduated.
They are now equipped with the skills they need to succeed at their schools.
12-year old Alex Kippenbrock graduated last year.
She came back to read an essay she wrote for a contest at Mount Vernon middle school.
An essay contest she won.
"I hated reading out loud. I couldnt stand it. Everytime I was called on, I would get real quiet on a word I didnt know or I would just read really quietly."
Sandy Falls was Alexs tutor -- one of six at the center who use a research based, multi-sensory method that is proven to work.
"When the children come to the learning center, their self esteem has been so eroed by their inability to read and perform in the classroom."
Alex used to think she was stupid.
Now she is proud to be dyslexic.
"I wouldnt have been able to come out with good grades and be able to read as good as i could and be more confident in myself without the learning center."
"For her to be able to write a speech and to win a prize and to appreciate what she was gien by the masons and the learning center, it really proves what a mature young lady she has become."
So if you think your child has a hard time reading, get help and maybe the 32 masonic learning center can be here for them too.
For the next 13 weeks, well broadcast a special educational program called Project Literacy.
The series airs at midnight... And profiles adults trying to improve their reading skills.
You can pick up workbooks and follow along at home...
Theyre free, and available at area mcdonalds or by calling the sine office.
