Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
West Virginia Adult Education instructor Julia Williams is planning a special event for Tuesday, September 17, at the gazebo park in Marlinton as part of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Week celebration.
From 10 to 11 a.m., Williams will host a free community activity for youngsters and their parents.
“I’m going to read a book to all the kids and ask comprehension questions afterward,” she said. “I have a huge roll of paper I’m going to roll out on a picnic table and they’re going to illustrate the book.”
Williams said Marlinton Mayor Sam Felton and Hillsboro Mayor Gail Siers will be at the event to sign a Proclamation in support of Adult Education and Family Literacy week. She said mayors across the state will also be asked to sign pro-clamations to the same effect.
“We’re trying to get all the mayors in West Virginia that we can to sign them to help with our funding,” she said.
Those participating in the activity will not go home empty handed. Williams said she has books to give out that have been donated by Hillsboro and McClintic libraries and individuals. There will also be a drawing for a large basket filled with books and reading activities.
The Marlinton branch of West Virginia Adult Education is located in the Brickside building behind Alfredo’s and is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Fridays, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
“We have GED classes for anyone, age seventeen and older, who needs their high school equivalency,” Williams said.
“We also offer computer classes, customer service, college prep classes – basically if people need help with anything, they can ask Even those who have a diploma that need a refresher course are welcome to stop by and get help. Williams said she has helped parents who needed help with subjects like math so they can help their children with their homework.
“We also work with our board of education,” she said. “If someone wants to work for the board and they are having trouble passing the NOCTI test to get that job, they can come here and prepare for that, too.”
On the family literacy side, Williams said they offer assistance to adults who are struggling with their reading, as well as information on how to help engage their children when reading to them.
“Helping with introducing their children to new activities, like if you read a book with your child, ask them comprehension questions and make sure they understand what you are reading,” she said. “Make sure they know you don’t have to sit down and read a book and that’s it. You can do other activities with the book as far as drawing or introducing letters and sounds.”
For more information on West Virginia Adult Education, contact Williams at 681-874-0044.
