Kalamazoo Literacy Council

Supporting Refugees Through ESL Instruction
2022-02-12 05:00 - 08:00 (America/Detroit) | Kalamazoo Literacy Council, 420 E Alcott St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Please join us for a special workshop where a panel of our experienced ESL instructors will answer questions and provide teaching strategies for those who want to tutor adult English Language Learners. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who’s interested in supporting refugees as they adapt to their new environment to learn about serving these motivated learners through basic, effective language instruction.

Agenda:
Opening talk: Bita Edraki and John Safapour will provide an overview of Afghan culture and things tutors should keep in mind when working with refugees.
Building Relationships, Jen Kruger: Jen, an ESL instructor, will draw on her experiences working with level 1 learners to share strategies for creating a relationship that allows the learner to be receptive and ready to learn.
SIOP Lesson Planning, Dylan Warner: Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) is a research-based, instructional model that is highly effective in addressing the academic needs of English learners. Dylan’s session will teach you how to prepare a lesson using SIOP principles.
Pre-literate/Non-literate ESL Resources, Vicki Konzen: Vicki will share helpful resources for working with these English Language Learners, including a list of materials available through KLC and free online resources.
Pronunciation, Ila Baker: Ila, MA-TESOL, will walk us through strategies for tutors with no experience to help their learners with pronunciation.
To register, visit https://bit.ly/3r1tUGw

Tutor Orientation
2022-03-03 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the official orientation session the KLC requires before training, and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In the Literacy Advocacy Orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s history, programs, services, learners, and your critical role as a volunteer tutor. The May training process includes an orientation, and four sessions of 90-min trainings. We focus on virtual learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series. Click here to register.

Tutor Training
2022-03-07 13:00 - 14:30, 2022-03-10 13:00 - 14:30, 2022-03-14 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-03-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the training that the KLC requires after orientation and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these four 90-minute trainings, we will focus on virtual learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.

Tutor Orientation
2022-05-05 15:00 - 16:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the official orientation session the KLC requires before training, and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In the Literacy Advocacy Orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s history, programs, services, learners, and your critical role as a volunteer tutor. This training process includes an orientation, and four sessions of 90-min trainings. We focus on virtual learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series. Click here to register.

Tutor Training
2022-05-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-05-12 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-05-16 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-05-19 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-09-12 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-09-15 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-09-19 14:00 - 15:30, 2022-09-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the training that the KLC requires after orientation and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these four 90-minute trainings, we will focus on hybrid learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.

Navigation Strategies Workshop
2022-05-20 05:00 - 10:00 | Online, MI, United States
Navigation Strategies Workshop
May 20, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hybrid (Virtual and in-person)
Purpose:

To strengthen the coordination of navigation services and supports that improve retention rates and participation.
To share information with navigators, case managers, and early learning professionals about community resources that help remove barriers to learning and employment.
To provide professional development on strategies and how to utilize navigation services to benefit adult learners and employees.

To register: Contact Kito Jumanne-Marshall, (269) 382-0490 ext. 211.
For details or questions on Michigan Works Agencies and programs, please visit https://www.michiganworkssouthwest.org/
This event is an offering of Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway University. Click here to see other trainings and workshops.

Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest
2022-08-06 08:00 - 11:30 | Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites, 100 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
It’s time for Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest! Each year, players come together for a fun-filled day of gaming to support adult literacy. This year’s event is Saturday, April 6, 12:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the downtown Radisson. We are excited to welcome back players in the Just for Fun, Competitive, Teams, and Online divisions. 100% of Scrabble Fest proceeds support the free programs and services of the KLC, for adults who struggle to read.
Registration Fees:
In-person tickets are $25 per player ($30 at the door). A 4-person team registration is $200. Fees include hors d’oeuvres, tshirt, and gaming materials. Cash bar will be open. Online tickets are $5 for up to 3 submissions or $25 for unlimited submissions.
Prizes:
Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Just for Fun, Competitive, and Teams divisions. Cage Match players will compete for fun prizes. Online players will be entered into a raffle for a cool prize.
Register today and come play with us! Deadline is July 22, 2022.
Want to see what it’s all about? Enjoy this highlight reel from our 10th Kalamazoo Scrabble Fest.

Career Fair For All
2022-08-10 08:00 - 11:00 | Urban Alliance, 1009 E. Stockbridge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Community Job Fair That’s Open to the Public!

Join Michigan Works! Southwest, the Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway and local community agencies for this career fair event taking place at Urban Alliance.

Job seekers that attend can also take advantage of wraparound services from the following agencies:
• Michigan Works! SW- resume assistance
• WDI/ Access for All
• Mi Reconnect/ KVCC
• Kalamazoo RESA Head Start
• Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)
• Southwest Childcare Resources
• Kalamazoo Literacy Council
• Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

These employers will be participating:
• Milestone Senior Services
• Star Truck Rentals
• Mann+Hummel
• Millennium Group
• Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment
• Kalamazoo RESA
• Kalamazoo RESA Head Start
• Greenleaf Hospitality
• YWCA Kalamazoo
• Stryker
• Arcadia Home Care
• Landscape Forms
• Tire Wholesalers
• B&B Trucking
This career fair is hosted by Michigan Works! Southwest, Urban Alliance, Edison Early Childhood Education Career Pathway and Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

Family Literacy Day
2022-09-07 12:30 - 14:30 | 420 E. Alcott St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 420 E. Alcott Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Join us for September’s Family Literacy Day! This month’s theme is all about garden fresh nutrition. Our featured presenter will be Chef Tyler Schuette who will create a delicious summer salad recipe using veggies from the Read and Seed community garden. Families can also grab free books from the Kalamazoo Public Library and get information from Paramount Charter Academy. This free event is open to the community to come out and learn about gardening, nutrition, and of course, literacy!
Family Literacy Day is held in the Read and Seed community garden, behind the Goodwill Industries building at 420 E. Alcott, 49001. In case of rain, we will move indoors.
To RSVP, contact Kamaria at (269) 350-4595 or knichols@kalamazooliteracy.org.

Tutor Orientation
2022-09-08 15:00 - 16:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the official orientation session the KLC requires before training, and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In the Literacy Advocacy Orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s history, programs, services, learners, and your critical role as a volunteer tutor. This training process includes an orientation, and four sessions of 90-min trainings. We focus on hybrid learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series. Click here to register.

2022 Fall Reception
2022-10-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Online, MI, United States
The Fall Reception is the annual event where we honor our volunteers and celebrate learner successes! In addition to a presentation by Executive Director Michael Evans of programming highlights from the past year, we will present the Mard Little Awards for Adult Learner Excellence and the Volunteer Service Award. This is a virtual meeting. Please RSVP to Kito at kjumanne-marshall@kalamazooliteracy.org.

Tutor Orientation
2022-11-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees!
This is the official orientation session the KLC requires before training, and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In the Literacy Advocacy Orientation, you will learn about the KLC’s history, programs, services, learners, and your critical role as a volunteer tutor. The November training process includes an orientation, and two sessions of four-hour trainings. We focus on virtual learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.
Click here to register.

Tutor Training
2022-11-05 05:00 - 09:00 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees!
This is the training that the KLC requires after orientation and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these two four-hour trainings, we will focus on hybrid learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.

The Right to Literacy
2022-11-10 12:30 - 14:00 | Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
You’re invited! Join us as we gather in celebration of the Declaration for the Right to Literacy. We will bring together community leaders, advocates, and partner agencies in the spirit of literacy being a right that everyone deserves. The evening will feature several speakers including Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri, KPS Superintendent, and Dr. Grace Lubwama, CEO of YWCA Kalamazoo, along with the signing of the “Literacy Scroll.” Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Kito by November 4 via email or call (269) 382-0490 ext. 211.

Tutor Training
2022-11-12 04:00 - 08:00 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees!
This is the training that the KLC requires after orientation and before tutors can be matched with a learner. In these two four-hour trainings, we will focus on virtual learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.

Edison: Place Matters!
2022-12-08 12:30 - 14:00 | Kalamazoo Literacy Council, 420 E Alcott St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001, United States
Join the Kalamazoo Literacy Council for a special session that takes a deep dive into Edison and reveals surprising facts about the neighborhood where we live, work, and play. This engaging session is facilitated by Dr. Karika Parker, University/Community Fellow, who is also leading the EDisON “Education is On” initative.Participants will learn about the history, educational opportunities and demographic trends of the neighborhood. Free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

Contact Kito at (269) 382-0490 ext. 211 or kjumanne-marshall@kalamazooliteracy.org to sign up.

Tutor Orientation
2023-03-02 14:00 - 15:30 | Online, MI, United States
Welcome tutor trainees! This is the online training that the KLC requires before tutors can be matched with an adult learner. In these five 90-minute sessions, we will focus on hybrid learning, blended learning, and using the Laubach and Challenger series.

Rules & Tools: Supporting Struggling Readers
2023-03-03 04:00 - 10:00 | SLD Read, 5250 Lovers Lane Suite 100LL, Portage, MI, 49002
New training opportunity! Presented in conjunction with our Right to Literacy partners at SLD Read, this dynamic 6-hour session is designed to offer usable tools and techniques that support reading, writing, and spelling instruction and intervention services. The training is broken down into three components: Phonological Awareness, Spelling Rules, and Red Words.

Phonological Awareness: Includes a short assessment and activities for learning. Areas of focus are Pre-Skill activities (directionality; same and different; first and last; beginning, middle and end), rhyming, 2 and 3 syllable words and initial sounds.
Spelling Rules: There are 5 spelling rules featured; each rule also includes activities (words to read, phrases and sentences to read, formatted writing page and decodable text). There are also games!
Red Words: These are words that break spelling rules – and this section includes word analysis and multi-sensory activities to support learning.

Facilitator: Mary Outinen, Curriculum & Instruction Manager, SLD Read
Please register for the training at http://bit.ly/3x5u7vV by February 24.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Tutor Training
2023-03-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Online, MI, United States

The Right to Read Documentary Screening
2023-03-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 315 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
The Right to Literacy – a local collaborative dedicated to achieving a fully literate community that works together to empower all individuals to achieve their full potential – invites you to a free screening of the documentary “The Right to Read” on Wednesday March 8 from 5:30 – 7:30 at the Kalamazoo Public Library in the Van Deusen Room.
The Right to Read shares the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long sucess: the ability to read. Oakland, CA’s Kareen Weaver believes literacy is one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time and is fighting for better reading instruction. “What good is winning the right to vote if we can’t even read the ballot?” he says. Click here to watch the trailer.
The event includes the film screening (approx. 70 mins) followed by a community conversation. Refreshments will be served. The Right to Read is directed by Jenny Mackenzie and is executive produced by LeVar Burton.
RSVP: (269) 382-0490 ext. 211 or kjumanne-marshall@kalamazooliteracy.org. Please let us know if you need accomodations.
