The Power of Story:

Language and Literacy in Context

A Professional Development Institute

The Power of Story is an initiative between Saint Xavier University's School of Education and Motheread, Inc.® (a national organization focused on the literacy development of children and their families (http://www.motheread.org/). The project will provide professional growth opportunities for teachers and public librarians working with children preschool to Grade 5 that highlight the use of children’s literature, storytelling and the arts to enhance family literacy. In addition, a special pre-conference session will be held for those interested exclusively in adult and family literacy. For more information, please see the following links:

An Information Session for interested participants was held on Friday, August 1, 2008. At this session, participants received an overview of the Motheread approach and the project.

Area professionals with expertise in language and literacy development, children's literature, or folk arts/storytelling, are invited to submit proposals for the General Session on or before September 1. Forward proposals to powerofstory@sxu.edu and include the following information: (a) session title, (b) name of presenters, (c) target audience (teachers, librarians, family literacy leaders, etc.), (d) media/equipment needs, and (e) a brief descriptive paragraph.

Please direct questions concerning the Power of Story project to Sheila Wright, Ph.D., Project Coordinator, School of Education, at (773) 298-3880 or e-mail powerofstory@sxu.edu

This project is supported by a grant from Nicor Gas of Illinois and Chicago Cotillion Charities with additional proposals pending.