Burg Reads: Offering literacy advice for parents

WILLIAMSBURG — Tutorburg will host a literacy conference for parents Saturday, Aug. 23 from 1-3:30 p.m. at Lutheran Interparish School in Williamsburg.

The event brings educators, advocates and literacy experts from across the state to give parents the tools they need to support readers at home, said Tutorburg in a press release.

The day begins with a keynote speech from Papae Wymore, president of The Reading League Iowa. "Growing Readers Together: What the Science Says, and What You Can Do“ will explain how the brain learns to read, what the science of reading really means and what practical strategies parents can use at home to support reading in their children, said Tutorburg.

After the keynote address, parents can choose from a lineup of breakout sessions led by expert presenters from The Reading League Iowa, Iowa Reading Research Center, Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, Navigation Play, Williamsburg Public Library and Tutorburg.

Sessions cover topics such as understanding dyslexia and executive function; building decoding, fluency and comprehension skills; navigating IEPs and 504 plans; supporting older students who can decode but still struggle; developing pre-literacy skills through play; understanding reading data and literacy assessments; learning how to teach handwriting or letter sounds at home

While parents attend breakout sessions, children in preschool through third grades can attend a Navigation Play kids event, where they'll engage in fun, movement-based learning activities designed to build early literacy foundations through play.

For more info visit burgreads.com.