MRA Café-Coffee and Conversations
Welcome to the November issue of the MRA Café, a monthly publication that connects our members, inspires joyful collegiality, shares insights into literacy education, and celebrates success stories.
Family Literacy
At MRA we honor the multiple literacies of our communities.
Local councils and committees seek to promote family literacy in our research and programs. For example, MRA’s Family and Early Childhood Literacy Committee sponsors an ongoing book donations drive for young children and families in transition who do not have access to in-home literacy libraries.
We Know:
“…40 years of research show[s] that family engagement is a strong predictor of children's reading and academic success and, further, that families, parents, and caregivers play indispensable roles in their children's cognitive, social, and emotional development” (Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium, MFLC).
Resources:
Strengthening Partnerships: A Framework for Prenatal through Young Adulthood Family Engagement in Massachusetts
Cowhey, M. (2022). Families with Power: Centering students by engaging with families and community. Teachers College Press.
We believe:
There is a crucial need for affordable quality care to support families and children in Early Childhood. We also need fair remuneration to support the quality and range of ECC workers.
Please watch this short video today: Early Childhood Ed and Care documentary, "Make A Circle"!
Read the Committee’s Advocacy Statement Here!
If you would like to get involved in these efforts, reach out to Nancy Verdolino at nancyverdolinomra@gmail.com.
Upcoming Events and Programming
Below are events happening this month from our councils and committees. Upcoming events may be found on our MRA 2024 - 2025 calendar
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Educators, parents, librarians, and readers of all ages are welcome to join brunch and an enticing book talk with Vicky Titcomb at Riverview School, 551 Route 6A, East Sandwich, MA 02537. REGISTER TODAY!
MRA Community Spotlight
It is time now to nominate for 2025 awards and scholarships!
Let’s celebrate Massachusetts educators who make a difference in the field of literacy.
The 2024 MRA Celebrate Literacy Award recipient is Diane Duncan! Ms. Duncan is a treasured member, volunteer, employee, and promoter of literacy within her Mendon-Upton community.
The Celebrate Literacy Award is annually awarded to an individual, agency, or institution whose contribution:
Is directly involved with literacy
Has a significant impact on the community
Click here to learn more and nominate for the 2025 Celebrate Literacy Award.
The Exemplary Reading Program Award is a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence in Literacy programming at all levels, K-12, across the state of Massachusetts.
Do you know a school that should be recognized for its efforts in Literacy?
Take this opportunity to nominate a school!
Click here to learn more and nominate for the Exemplary Reading Program Award.
2025 MRA Conference Updates
The 54th Annual Massachusetts Reading Association Conference, Literacy & Language: Words Empower, Inspire, and Transform
will be held March 27-28, 2025, with a pre-conference on the 26th, at the Boston Marriott Newton Hotel in Newton, MA.
Registration opens on January 13, 2025!
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Literacy Inspirations
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
Gratitude
Let your gratefulness overflow as you continue reading. November is a wonderful time of the year to reflect on the things in our lives, no matter how big or small, that bring us joy and a sense of gratitude. As I sit and write this month’s newsletter, I appreciate my computer, the cozy fire, and all of you taking the time to read and connect with MRA. Gratitude is a feeling, a skill, an attitude, a ritual, a practice, a mindset, an inspiration, an awakening… Consider building an environment of appreciation:
Why: Classrooms that practice the powerful tool of gratitude help develop engaged learners.
Gratitude awakens the mind, body, and heart to new ideas and relationships.
Gratitude builds resilience, supports well-being, invigorates learning, and nurtures neurogenesis.
How: There are many ways to inspire gratitude in students of all ages. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
gratitude journal: see the mini-lesson video
gratitude nature walk and scavenger hunt
Write thank you notes
Read-aloud books of thanks
Thank you for your dedication to literacy. Together, we can ensure every student becomes a confident and capable reader, writer, and learner.
MRA information
The Massachusetts Reading Association is a professional non-profit organization of individuals whose primary purpose is to improve the quality and level of literacy in the state of Massachusetts. The MRA is affiliated with the International Literacy Association (ILA), a worldwide literacy organization. Our Mission The mission of the Massachusetts Reading Association is to promote literacy for all learners through professional development, research, publications, and advocacy.