{"id":132287,"date":"2023-09-13T17:16:11","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T22:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/?p=132287"},"modified":"2023-09-13T17:16:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T22:16:15","slug":"university-of-mississippi-hosting-early-literacy-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thelocalvoice.net\/oxford\/university-of-mississippi-hosting-early-literacy-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"University of Mississippi Hosting Early Literacy Conference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Renowned keynote speakers, panel discussion set for September 23 event at Oxford Conference Center<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The University of Mississippi<\/strong> will host a daylong conference on early childhood literacy, where renowned experts are to discuss the latest research and strategies to foster reading skills in young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The\u00a0Understanding Early Literacy<\/strong> conference<\/a>\u00a0begins at 8:30 am September 23 at the Oxford Conference Center<\/strong>. The event is free to the public, but registration is required. To register, click\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funded by a donation from Carol Dorsey<\/strong>, of Tucson, Arizona<\/strong>, the forum is designed to offer resources and advice for pediatricians, educators, parents, and caregivers, said John Hodges<\/strong>, director of the North Mississippi Literacy Project<\/strong> which is co-sponsoring the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Participants will hear from researchers, doctors, psychologists and other experts in child development who will inspire and equip you with a better understanding of how you can play a positive role in developing a young child’s literacy skills and therefore their overall academic success and well-being,” Hodges said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dorsey and her husband, Bob Dorsey<\/strong>, a former Ole Miss<\/strong> economics professor, gave almost $1 million that helped kick-start the North Mississippi Literacy Project. Other sponsors are the North Mississippi Education Consortium, Shelton School,<\/strong> and Lafayette County School District<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Whether the children you care for are avid readers, struggling learners or still just exploring board books, this conference will help you know how to lay a solid foundation for children’s future academic journey,” said Joyce Pickering<\/strong>, principal of the Shelton School in Dallas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keynote speakers are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n