New name. New website. Same old commitment.
- info46896
- May 22
- 3 min read
The YLS has recently undergone a comprehensive rebranding initiative - a.k.a. a face-lift - accompanied by the launch of a new website. This effort aims to enhance our advocacy for youth learning services and to clearly communicate our mission: to demonstrate how developing essential skills in reading, writing, and math contributes to building confidence and fostering brighter futures for young individuals.
Our new name is...(drumroll, please!) Grey Bruce Youth Learning Services, which we feel better reflects what we provide. We are also thrilled to launch the new YLS website! We’ve rebuilt it from the ground up to be mobile-friendly, making it easier than ever for our busy parents and dedicated volunteers to find the information they need, whenever they need it. Our new website can be found at www.ylsgb.ca. (if you're not there already)
This rebranding and new website initiative were generously supported by a grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce. Thanks, CFGB!
What's New
A wee YLSGB.ca site map!
HOME tab: Great for parents. Here they can glean more information on how we deliver our services and how to register their child with us.
TUTORS/VOLUNTEERS tab: Your destination if you desire information on how one volunteers as a tutor or learning assistant with us, including FAQ's about time commitment; training; where we tutor; and more.
LINKS tab: Here you will find more in-depth literacy and math reference archives, as well as links to other like-minded organizations.
EVENT SIGN UP tab: Go here to sign up for or learn more about upcoming fundraisers and events, like our popular Adult Spelling Bee!
ABOUT and CONTACT US tabs: They pretty much say it all!
If you haven't taken a 'walk' through our new site, be our guest! And don't be afraid to share your experience with us, as the more efficient our delivery systems are, the more students we will be able to help!
Great Reading Tools For Young Learners
Part of what we wish to accomplish with our new blog and newsletter is sharing some simple reading, writing, and math strategies & information that we hope young readers, parents and volunteers might find useful. Keep watching for future tips and tricks!
TODAY'S TOPIC: Phonological Awareness
Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words, including syllables, onsets/rimes, and individual phonemes.
Key Components and Skills
Phonological awareness is an "umbrella term" encompassing several levels of sound awareness:
Word Awareness: Identifying words in a sentence.
Alliteration/Rhyming: Recognizing and producing rhyming words or words with the same initial sound (e.g. dog, log, fog, hog, etc.)
Syllable Awareness: Blending and segmenting words by syllable (e.g., "cupcake" = "cup" + "cake").
Onset-Rime Awareness: Manipulating the initial consonant(s) (onset) and the vowel-consonant tail (rime) (e.g., s-ing vs. b-ing).
Phonemic Awareness: The most advanced level; manipulating individual sounds (phonemes) in words.
So, phonological awareness is an auditory skill that does not involve the printed word, focusing instead on hearing and manipulating sounds in spoken language. These skills are essential predictors of early reading and spelling success. Difficulties with phonological awareness can be an early indicator of reading challenges, such as dyslexia.
Volunteer Highlight Corner
A big shout-out this month goes to Jane D. Jane has been a volunteer tutor with us for almost seven years. Thank you, Jane, for everything you have done for your students and GBYLS!
When asked about why she loves being a tutor with us, Jane said, "Becoming a volunteer with GBYLS allowed me to make community connections and the opportunity and satisfaction of working with children one-on-one. (A rare luxury in my role as a former elementary teacher in Toronto.)"
That's it for our first blog! We hope you found it an insightful and fun read. If so, maybe pass the link onto someone who you think might be interested? And, as always, we welcome your feedback; suggestions; and charitable donations, either through etransfer to info@sgbyouthliteracy.org, or through Canada Helps below. Ciao!
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