Children have to read more ? not because they have to, but because they want to.

That?s the message from Dr. Charline Barnes, professor of literacy at Adelphi University in the US who was a guest speaker at the Reading Conference held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess at the weekend.

Dr. Barnes has published various articles about literacy and multicultural issues and offers non-traditional programmes for all-risk youth.

She hosted a hands-on training workshop aimed at pre-school, primary and secondary teachers and also gave the keynote address on reading as the key to lifelong success and enjoyment and the relevance of reading aloud at the middle and high school level.

Dr. Barnes said that a recent study in the US found that between 80 and 90 percent of all prisoners had dropped out of school, couldn?t read or weren?t encouraged by their parents and teachers to read as children.

?Parents need to act as role models to their children and read to them, encourage them to read and motivate them,? she said.

She said this would ensure their success in life.

She added that while television was entertaining, it should not replace reading.

?Shows like ?Sesame Street? are educational at a young age and we?ve found that children who watch these shows and are encouraged by their parents to read once they start school, will continue to do so into adulthood,? she said.

Dr. Barnes is also a member of the board of directors of the International Reading Association, a non-profit, global network of individuals and institutions committed to world-wide literacy.

With more than 80,000 members, the association supports these professionals through a wide range of resources, advocacy efforts, volunteerism and professional development activities.

Another guest speaker at the conference was Roberta Scott, a 16-year veteran at The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina.

Her hands-on approach to teaching using newspapers has revolutionised the way teachers get their pupils motivated.

She offered a Newspapers in Education workshop for teachers and parents on how to use newspapers as a tool for learning.

?It?s all about doing what?s needed in classrooms, but also using newspapers in a new, innovation way to teach and learn,? she said.

She said the one thing teachers needed to teach their pupils was to become ?critical readers?.

?Using a list they determine if the story is credible. It not only makes journalists better at what they do, but teaches them to be more factual and entertaining and also helps students make informed decisions,? she said.

Ms Scott said newspapers could be used in applied math by using advertisements for groceries.

A parent workshop will be held tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at Crown House on Par-la-Ville Road on the NIE teaching method.

?It?s a good way to open doors between teachers, pupils and parents to address issues of importance in today?s society,? she said. More more information on this workshop, Jennifer Hind can be contacted at 278-0136.