A note from Julie Fowlkes

Here I am back in California with so many wonderful memories of my incredible time in Hong Kong and all the new friends I made during my visit. With all my years as a Reading Specialist, I know this first term of the BMAB Institutewas certainly an amazing highlight.

It was so rewarding to have you in our classes and workshops at the Institute. You impressed me with your dedication to learning, excellent questions, and creative energy. Your “passion for parenting” was evident and we are confident that you are developing children who love books and reading. We hope that you found our suggestions practical and motivating.

I learned so much from all of you. Our time together gave me new insights into the importance of rereading familiar texts, the value of sharing feelings during a story and the joy of telling stories about favorite family experiences. I understand more than ever that parents are

best at reading aloud since they can fit each book to their child. Please continue to share your experiences and pictures of connecting with your children through books. I love hearing from you and seeing the photos.

Wasn’t it great to see how much you learned from each other during our classes? The sharing time at the beginning of class was invaluable. You made practical suggestions for ways to develop daily storytime, ideas for dealing with restless children, great book titles and new “energizers”. I hope that you continue to stay in touch with fellow parents for support and ideas.

Thank you so very much for being part of

BMABHK and building literacy in your home. I look so forward to my next visit and to receiving stories and photos about read aloud experiences with your special children.

Happy Reading,

Julie Fowlkes
juliefowlkes@yahoo.com