Dr. Ernest Morrell Speaks at Holy Cross School
On Monday, March 18, Center for Literacy Education Director Dr. Ernest Morrell partnered with the English as a New Language (ENL) program to deliver a talk to parents at Holy Cross School, a two-way immersion school in South Bend, IN. The talk was the second event in a three-part series of family literacy nights at the school. Dr. Morrell’s speech was titled “How to Help Your Child Become a Better Reader” and outlined how parents could foster a love of reading in their homes. Notre Dame students studying Spanish with Professor Elena Mangione-Lora and Professor Rachel Parroquín Parroquín translated Morrell’s speech for several of the Spanish-speaking families in the Holy Cross School community. Dinner was served and childcare was provided at the event, allowing parents the space and peace of mind to absorb Dr. Morrell’s advice. Among other tips and points of advice, Dr. Morrell encouraged parents to read with their children for 10 minutes every night and to allow them choice in the titles they want to read independently. He explained the seven strengths developed through reading, as laid out in his book Every Child a Super Reader.
"I had an amazing experience with the parents of Holy Cross!" Morrell says. "They were extremely engaged throughout. They took notes, asked thoughtful questions, and continued the conversation after the culmination of the talk. It was clear to see how involved they are in the reading lives of their children, which makes all the difference over the long term for literacy achievement and a real joy of reading."
Dr. Katy Lichon, Director of the ENL program, and Clare Roach planned and attended the event. Roach is the coordinator of a Spanish two-way immersion program at Holy Cross School, an ENL initiative. Roach says, “I think our school community walked away empowered to promote reading for pleasure inside the walls of our classrooms and at home. Dr. Morrell spoke passionately as an educator, but also a parent, which left a mark on all of us in attendance.”
The next family literacy night in the three-part series at Holy Cross School will take place on April 11 at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Rachel Parroquín and the CLE’s Darby Evans will lead the event, designed to give parents specific strategies to help their children growing in reading skills. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the adult learning will begin at 6 p.m. Childcare will be provided.
