DeCastro taking literacy to another level

PRESS RELEASE – With classes set to begin on Monday 30th January, Sharie B.Y. de Castro continues to champion the cause of literacy in the territory through her business Write To Read.

Ms. de Castro explained that she has encountered students at both the elementary and secondary levels who have had major difficulties with reading and comprehension.

“That is why Write To Read’s mission is ‘Building a nation of readers,’ and our vision is helping individuals to achieve academic excellence through literacy,” said de Castro.

The young entrepreneur further explained that children learn differently; so they must be taught differently.

Ms. de Castro passionately stated, “The problem is, I have had students that were so low in reading; so academically deficient that I cried. I have asked myself, how do I raise the self-esteem of a child and his/her academic development at the same time?”

She answered by highlighting the value of positive teacher/student relationships, motivation and creating a learning environment that caters to the learning styles of all children.

Classes begin next week with Reading, Language Skills and Writing Placement Assessment sessions.

Ms. de Castro explained, “The aim is to show whether children are reading and writing below, at or above their expected levels. The screenings will highlight areas of strength and weakness and a detailed intervention plan will be created for each child to address their individual needs.”

Ms. de Castro expressed that children exhibit one or more learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic (hands on), Logical, Verbal, Solitary or Social.

“They ask let me see, let me hear, let me try, tell me why, let me tell you why, can I work alone or can I work in a group,” the educator further stated.

The program caters to children ages 5 – 16 and classes occur two days a week, on Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, from 4pm – 5pm, 5pm – 6pm or 6pm – 7pm.

A special ‘thank you’ has been expressed to The Lion’s Club of Tortola and Caribbean Security Limited for sponsoring the Placement Assessment Sessions for 40 children who sign up for the Write To Read After-school Program.