SDLC NEWS

• The South Dakota Literacy Council held its quarterly state meeting on July 19 at Brandt Lake, near Chester, SD. The Annual Meeting was discussed, with planning going ahead. The annual meeting will be held in St. Onge, SD. As part of the educational program during the annual meeting, there will be visits to historical sites in the Black Hills including stops in Deadwood, Sturgis and Spearfish.
• The New Readers (those who learned to read as adults) have written a variety of poems, stories and articles which were published in a book entitled, “Memories.” Twenty-five authors have contributed writings for the book. Many other persons helped with the project. We were able to offer it during the Festival of Books in Deadwood. For more information about the book or to request your copy, please contact Betty VanderZee.

  

• Fall 2007 Newsletter
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• The Hot Springs Literacy Council brought "Prairie Dog Frank" to the Hot Springs Elem. fourth grade students. Dr. Van Deest created "Prairie Dog Frank" as an old prairie rat who spins tales of early settlers in Dakota Territory. The program was made possible by a Speakers Bureau grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
  
• The South Dakota Humanities Council granted the literacy money to use for author events from May - December, 2003. We held an event for ESL tutors in Huron in May. Lynn Ryan presented to tutors of ESL (English as a Second Language) students. She helped the attendees learn how to address some of the challenges they face and will face when working with ESL students. She used several activities to make it useful and interesting.
  
• One of the big events was the Festival of Books which we attended. The SD Humanties had about 100 authors at the Festival in Deadwood, SD on October 3-5, 2003. The SD Literacy Council participated in the event. Some of those who had been tutored over the past years are also authors. We honored them as well at the Festival. We, literacy members, all were able to choose author talks to attend. We had a hard time trying to decide which books to buy since there was an abundance of book vendors.
  
• We held our Annual conference in conjunction with the Humanities Council. We had two panel sessions that was open to all attendees. Our New Reader authors were able to sell some of their books at the conference. What a privilege. The VISTA volunteers and the VISTA supervisor were presented a plaque and certificate during one of the receptions that was held at the hotel. The October scenery in that area was so beautiful. We did get quite a bit of exercise walking to the various meeting places.
  
• Another author event took place in Hot Springs on Oct. 8. Mr. Richard Jorgenson presented for the Hot Springs area on October 8. He shared his love for reading and naturally stressed the importance of reading. He encouraged students to turn the television off and do more reading. He shared fun activities that helped the students develop creativity. The teachers and students have a positive memory of his visit. Mr. Jorgenson is a former teacher and is now a Lutheran pastor. He has written, Reading With Dad.
  
• Jean Patrick, an author from Mitchell, SD presented at Volga and Madison. Jean is the wife of a farmer/veterinarian. She came to Sioux Valley School in Volga on December 12. Her first presentation was an assembly for the entire elementary school. She was dressed as the girl who struck out Babe Ruth as she told and acted out the story with the help of the audience and a few students in particular. The students were hooked after the presentation.
  
  She had sessions for individual grades during the rest of the day. She shared much more about the process she uses when writing books. The students got to see her first drafts and also the HUGE pile of revisions. Her first book was in the making for three years. The sessions in the classrooms gave students and teachers many ideas for better writing skills. The students asked excellent questions during the entire day. Jean spent time with staff and teachers during lunch and recesses. All in all it was a wonderful day.
  
• Jean Patrick went to Madison on February 9, 2004. She presented to college students and general public at the Karl Mundt Library. She shared her stories--she has 4 books published so far-- and also told about her intensive research. Her first book, The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth required a lot of research. It is an non-fiction book so it had to be completely accurate. She conducted many interviews in person and via phone calls. KELO news helped her see an old fashioned film. Some of the college students received some good teaching lessons for the teaching of writing to young children.
  
  Her second presentation that day was to the Girls Scouts at the local Lutheran Church. Again the children loved her story. They had good questions. Several of the Scouts were interested in buying a book or two.
  
• The following pictures feature: Mr. Jorgensen at the Hot Springs Elem, autographing his book, seated with--Lois Emery, Hot Springs Literacy, Kay Humphrey VISTA supervisor, Pat Coffield, VISTA .