Calgary Reads Presents at January General Meeting

Steacy Collyer and Madeleine Baerg of Calgary Reads were the guest speakers at our January 10, 2011 General Meeting.  Steacy introduced Calgary Reads and presented its new logo, and Madeleine presented the importance of the first 2000 days in developing a child’s reading readiness. The key concepts for the first 2000 days, the approximate time from birth to kindergarten, are Sing, Read, Talk, and Play. Madeleine informed members that the majority of neural pathways for language are formed early and need to be reinforced with language in the early days before school. Children with a literacy-focused environment in the early years have greater academic success, professional success, social success, health, confidence, employability and income.

Calgary Reads is an early literacy initiative changing the lives of struggling Grade 1 and 2 readers and their families in Calgary and area schools. In 1996 the Junior League of Calgary researched and identified the need to support emerging readers who experienced difficulty reading but who did not require intensive, professional support. In collaboration with the Calgary Board of Education, the JLC designed a program to recruit and train volunteers who could deliver consistent reading support in schools. This program was called Calgary Reads and it was piloted in 1998. Calgary Reads (An Early Literacy Initiative) Society became an independent community-based not-for-profit society in 2001 and was recognized as a Canada Revenue Agency registered charitable organization in 2002.

Marilou Mitchell (L) introduces Steacy Collyer (center) and Madeline Baerg (R) from Calgary Reads

Steacy is a founder of Calgary Reads, a passionate reader, life-long volunteer and most importantly a proud mom of three daughters, all of whom are her best teachers. She is a recognized specialist in innovative teaching practices, literacy, leadership, resiliency and the intentional use of hope in learning communities, and is a past president of the JLC!

Madeleine is the Early Years Project Coordinator for Calgary Reads. She also works as a communications consultant and freelance writer. Most importantly, as a parent of a young child, she passionately believes in the importance of the 2000 days before kindergarten.