11 July, 2006 - Exploring Literacy through the Arts

Minister de Valera visits Summer Camp in Navan

Up to 800 children, aged between 7 and 11, will attend summer literacy camps which aim to help those with literacy difficulties learn through art, dance, music and drama. The 20 summer camps have been organised and funded by the Department of Education and Science.   Minister for Youth Affairs, Síle de Valera, T.D., today visited the summer camp at St. Anne's Loreto Primary School in Navan, Co. Meath.

Speaking in Navan today, Minister de Valera said

"This year more than €250,000 is being provided by the Department of Education and Science for the scheme."

"I am delighted that these summer camps are targeted at children at risk from social or academic difficulties.  The aim is to increase the child's interest and motivation in acquiring basic literacy skills through exploring pathways to learning which reflects each child?s own style and intelligence."

"I applaud the primary teachers who provide the children with exciting opportunities to develop self-esteem, motivation, imagination, concentration and discipline. These are all key aspects of pupils? attitudes to learning. The most important part of the project is that the emphasis throughout is on developing basic literacy skills through fun learning activities."

"There is increasing international evidence that involvement with the arts provides opportunities for learning and enabling young people to reach for and attain higher levels of achievement. One of the critical research findings is that learning through the arts can provide valuable opportunities for children. This project recognises that there are many ways of learning and that different children learn in different ways -  the child who may have considerable difficulty in learning to read through conventional methods may experience a breakthrough when reading is approached through drama, movement, dance, music or art."

"I would encourage all the children who attend these summer camps to enjoy their time and may you benefit from the work you put in."

End.