Author gets MP backing
Michael Gove with author and poet Christina Gabbitas.
SELBY author and poet Christina Gabbitas has launched a national competition for years five and six to write an ‘Eight Line Rhyme’.
Christina, a 45-year-old mum of two from Leeds Road, was inspired to write in rhyme, when learning that her son (who was later diagnosed with dyslexia), was able to learn easier through short, bursts of rhyming words.
She told the Selby Times: “I felt quite angry when my son was misdiagnosed in not having dyslexia by two primary schools, despite having expressed my concerns.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily the fault of the teachers, I think it is probably lack of training and information for teachers, not giving them the ability to detect the problem.
“After speaking with many parents at book signings in WHSmith and Waterstones, it seems that my concerns are shared. Rhyming helps children become more able readers, improves listening skills, improves memory and a fun way to learn.”
The rhyme topic is ‘Fears and Phobias’ or ‘Teamwork and Friendship’, which are the topics addressed in the first two books in the series.
The books also come with audio read along, which also helps the children in remembering words and learning.
The competition gives a pupil a chance to have their work published in the next book in the Christina’s Felicity Fly series, also boasting the school name.
This will be published national book week in October.
A number of rhymes will also be chosen and showcased in a special Eight Line Rhyme Book.
Christina added: “I’ve had a fantastic response so far from primary schools all over the UK, there are some very talented children in our primary schools.”
The school with the winning rhyme can expect a visit from the author for a day, to read stories and have fun with rhyme.
Christina recently met with Secretary for Education Michael Gove at a fundraising dinner and he said he was extremely supportive of her primary school initiative.
She took the opportunity relay her disappointment at the lack of knowledge and training teachers have on the topic of Dyslexia.
For more information visit www.felicityfly.co
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Weather for Goole
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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