Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Focused on Literacy: River of Words

River of Words Integrates Literacy with Art and Nature

The nonprofit literacy organization River of Words seeks to improve children's literacy and cognitive skills through innovative projects that incorporate observation-based nature exploration, art, and poetry. River of Words was established in 1995 in California and conducts training workshops for teachers, park naturalists, librarians, and other adults who work with young people.

Every year River of Words works with The Library of Congress Center for the Book to conduct a free international poetry and art contest for youth on the theme of WATERSHEDS. The contest is designed to help youth explore the natural and cultural history of the place they live, and to express, through poetry and art, what they discover. The winners of this year's contest will be announced April 25.

View artwork from previous years' contest winners on the online
Art Gallery.

Read poetry from previous years' contest winners on the online Poetry Gallery.

Teachers: Be sure to check out the integrated "Watershed Explorer's" curriculum materials that incorporate natural sciences into an arts and letters format.

Learn more about the mission and projects of this amazing literacy organization at their website: River of Words.

To investigate other literacy organizations, visit the Library of Congress website and its list of partners.

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