NATCHITOCHES – The Youth of Natchitoches First United Methodist Church, led by Colby and Lindsey Session and NSU FUMC interns Phillip Coleman, Rachael Smith and Garrett Wells visited the Northwestern State University Teacher Education Center recently to engage in a service learning project and tour the building. Following a discussion of how literacy impacts school performance and future success led by Brett Brunson, Natchitoches District Defender, and Michelle Brunson, NSU Early Childhood professor, the youth made 100 family literacy bags that will be distributed to local kindergarten children. The middle and high school students then toured the TEC and were presented with NSU swag bags donated by University Recruiting.
Research consistently reports the positive impact of family literacy on children, families and communities. Young children who are read to for just 20 minutes a day have broader vocabularies, stronger literacy skills, more consistent school attendance, better school performance and increased positive dispositions toward learning. By sharing a love for reading and a love for books, families can grow stronger as they learn together, bond over shared experiences, and make memories that last for a lifetime. On the front row from left are Rachael Smith, Garrett Landry, Haleigh Dowden and Lindsey Session. On the back row are Dr. Michelle Brunson, Phillip Coleman, Garrett Wells, Cameron Brunson, Jacob Hypes, Brynn Landry, Brylee Guillory and Colby Session.
