District Education Officer for the Western District, Margaret Jules-Royer, is of the view that publicly displaying student’s works is one way of assisting them in improving their literacy capabilities.
“People loved to be praised,” she stated. “It’s very important to praise them.”
On Wednesday schools from the Western District, from Coulibstrie to Roseau, held an exhibition displaying literacy works of students and teachers.
“We also have a section for other strategies which teachers are sharing, so other teachers can learn from it,” she noted. “And we have the student’s work.”
The exhibition, which aims to raise awareness of literacy, culminated activities for Literacy Week which was held in March.
Jules-Royer said the event is very important since results from the Grade Six National Assessment Exams show improvement is needed, especially in writing.
“We have looked at our national assessment and some of the results are not how we want it to be, we need improvement, especially in the area of writing,” she pointed out. “So as a district we decided this year we want to really focus on writing. We have done a lot of work but we still have a long way to go because we really want to improve our writing at the school level.”
A total of 16 schools displayed student’s works from Grade K to Six.
The exhibition was held under the theme, Literacy Across the Curriculum.
Well done educate our people we need to rise up in order to move forward.
We are aware that success cannot be achieved without a certain degree of perseverance. In elementary, we were taught to read, write and spell. I do remember how we were taught to hold our pens and pencils. They should not be held close to the tip of the thumb or in between the fingers.
) but my handwriting is excellent. It also depends on the type of pen (its tip) that I write with. Some people are surprised at how well I write. I will state, in this Canadian environment. Why? Because there are many people who cannot write properly. They rank among those with important jobs, executives, managers and supervisors. Doctors are no exception. 
This is why especially in this country, for certain instances, people are asked to write in what I call “block letters” as I recall it in D/ca. I am not good at that at all for I did not learn it in school. Then it is stated, write your signature and initials.
I do not mean to brag (please forgive me if you feel I do
Children in this country learn to write in this manner. As adults they continue to write in the same way. It may be the reason why they cannot write and their writing is ineligible.
Please allow me to further inform you. I recently heard on the Toronto News that some young students-children cannot write their names. This is in Toronto/Ontario! No doubt, throughout the country. The computer is being blamed for this.
The emphasis is now on teaching the children to write their names and practice good penmanship. I think I would like to apply for a job to assist them.
Another area is bad spelling. We all make mistakes, sometimes typographical ones. However, the simplest of words some of them cannot spell. I had a manager who would ask me how certain words were spelt. He gave me a compliment and told me that I can spell well. It was really a nice, polite and considerate man and a pleasure to work for. Whenever he said that I would just smile.
There was once a co-worker got angry with me because she asked me how a word was spelt. At first I helped her. Another time, I told her to use the dictionary. Thinking of this today, how could she use the dictionary if she cannot spell the word? Honestly, I got upset with her for she was always asking me how to spell this and that. I simply mentioned her position and that she should be able to spell.
I had a higher position than her. However, she was paid to perform a job and she was incompetent. It was not my job to keep telling her as if she is a child the correct spelling. In those days we did not have computers. The mistake I made was to pretend I did not hear her or to know the correct spelling. I was too honest and to help her at that. I should have informed her to ask another of the employees. They would not have hesitated to inform the boss about her. You know what could have been the result. She would have been fired.
They also deserve encouragement and at such an early age. When they are encouraged, they will surely try their utmost to excel.
One day she did not return to work and stated I caused her to leave the enterprise. I told the boss exactly what occurred. They knew what I was capable of doing. This was an enterprise, the first day I commenced employment, they were satisfied to the point, after three months my income was increased by $500.00. This does not occur today. In those days, staff were appreciated, respected and rewarded for their performance. I could write a book about my experience in this respect.
The Education Officer/teachers must concentrate on teaching the children to read, write and spell in addition to their deportment in school. This will greatly assist them when they have completed school and are employed. Such education, one never forgets.
I thank the school education I received in elementary and CHS in D/ca. This was coupled with parental and church discipline. It has followed me throughout my life in this country of Canada. It is something those who have received it cannot hide. Without saying a word, it projects itself. Much more could be stated about that.
I wish the teachers good luck in teaching the children accordingly. Also the children, to listen to their teachers, be obedient and diligent. There is no other way to achieve overall discipline.
Good luck Education Officer and Teachers in fulfilling your duty to your students and assisting them throughout those formative years. They will never forget you.
Giving compliments where they are deserved is the proper thing to do. All of us appreciate deserving compliments. We are only human.
its just getting more and more ridiculous…how displaying students work should raise literacy? How? Can you stop dengue widespread by singing loudly at 1am? its stupid….Only way to raise literacy is to take care of your kids, teach them to read and root them the love for reading….maybe problem with literacy is the fact that your kids are abandon or maybe you are bad parents?
Did you consider that readers may have an idea on how to achieve this and to offer suggestions? This is another reason we provide our comments and have intelligent discourses about the articles. A Website should be used for that purpose.
The displays gave us who visited the exhibition a lot of different ideas and approaches to helping our children. I think you should visit because it looks like you are in need of some for yourself.
Education seems to be dominating the news and this can only be a good thing. The Ministry of Education and the staff is uniquely headed and extremely proactive. Praising children will give them confidence to excel. Well done to all involved in the Ministry for Education headed by Minister St John. ‘Education Is The Key!’
Well said , when praised , their level of consciousness and interest to do well is raised .