New York, NY (May 4, 2006) -- Scholastic Education, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, today announced its new Early Literacy Seminar Program designed to support pre-kindergarten educators with necessary skills to teach young learners.  The Scholastic Early Literacy Seminar Program offers tailored, in-person professional development courses based on research and best practices in early literacy instruction as outlined in Early Reading First recommendations.  The series of eight in-person workshops can be combined to create full-day, two-day or four-day seminar programs for ongoing professional development in the following areas:
 
- Managing Your Classroom and Small Group Instruction introduces classroom set-up and daily scheduling including working with small groups of children.
- Developing Oral Language focuses on the three core aspects of oral language: listening comprehension, verbal expression and vocabulary development, with special emphasis on reading aloud.
- Building Letter Knowledge and Phonological Awareness utilizes scientific-based research and brain-based learning to help teachers build children’s awareness and recognition of letters and sounds.
- Supporting English Language Learners celebrates language diversity and helps teachers support children building English language and literacy skills.
- Building Content Area Knowledge encourages the use of non-fiction books to appeal to children’s desire for learning about the world around them, while building core skills in vocabulary, standards-based science, math, and social studies.
- Connecting School and Home helps teachers understand how to effectively communicate, involve parents and families in important classroom learning, and strengthen parent-school relationships.
- Developing Print-Awareness and Writing instructs educators on the reading-writing connection and the importance of building awareness of print concepts through both books and beginning writing.
- Teaching Each Child guides teachers to create an inclusive environment in which every child achieves, focusing on multi-cultural and multi-ethnic classrooms and modifying instruction to meet individual needs.
 
“Scholastic knows that when it comes to improving student outcomes, teachers can make the difference.  The Scholastic Early Learning Seminars bring research-based best practices to teachers in early childhood classrooms, with the goal of preparing our youngest students and preventing later reading difficulties,” said Heidi Gilman, General Manager, Scholastic Early Childhood Education.
 
Scholastic has had deep relationships with educators for over 85 years. “What we know from teachers and from efficacy is that it isn’t just the materials used¾it is teaching that matters from the moment children start learning,” said Rose Else-Mitchell, VP, Implementation and Technical Services for Scholastic Education. “This seminar program is an outstanding offering to help early childhood educators highlight literacy and develop these skills everyday with young children.”
 
For more information on Scholastic Education’s Early Literacy Seminars visit www.scholastic.com/ecseminars.
 
About Scholastic Education
Scholastic Education is a leader in the education marketplace, providing learning solutions for students through research-based technology products and multimedia supplemental instructional materials that support student achievement in grades pre-K through high school.  Grounded in the most current scientific research, Scholastic Education develops technology products and services that include instruction, intervention, assessment, instruction, data management and professional development.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology.  Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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