BEN Literacy Book Club Engages Educators
Sixteen educators across the island participated in a Literacy Book Club hosted by the Bermuda Education Network [BEN], focused on strengthening early literacy instruction.
A spokesperson said, “Participants engaged in a shared reading of Learning to Be Literate by Patricia Paugh and Deborah MacPhee, which examines how children develop essential literacy skills and how educators can support early literacy learning.
“Participants reflected on this experience as an opportunity to strengthen their understanding in meeting the literacy needs of all students.”
“The authors and conversations with teachers in this course have reignited in me a fire to trust in my ability to teach reading responsively with the goal of empowering learners to deepen their ability to understand and be critical of their world. I feel better armed with a broad range of instructional strategies that I can deploy as needed in my own teaching and evaluation of literacy strategies,” said Heather Trimingham, a primary educator.
“This book club strengthened my understanding of literacy and gave me practical ways to think more intentionally about how I design literacy instruction,” said Alexandra Calauro of B.E.N.
The spokesperson said, “A highlight of the book club was a special virtual appearance by Learning to Be Literate co-author Patricia Paugh, on January 13, 2026. The opportunity to hear directly from one of the book’s authors added to the professional learning experience for participants.”
“A thoughtfully engaging book club, that had thoughtful, in-depth discussion and provided an awesome opportunity to meet and connect with the author,” said Stephanie Hughes of West End Primary.
“Enriching! Received a lot of food for thought. Enjoyed the rich discussions and the wonderful opportunity to chat and chew with the author Patricia Paugh,” said Makese Gilbert of Elliott Primary.
The spokesperson said, “The book emphasizes a four-part framework for active literacy learning, highlighting that meaning making, comprehension, and background knowledge develop alongside students’ foundational phonics skills.”
“Literacy is not a one-way street, it can take many paths to get to the destination,” said Caroline Brown of Somersfield Academy.
