A Black Stallion Literacy Foundation  professional development workshop will be held on the University of Kentucky ’s campus from 4 to 6:30 p.m. EDT Thursday March 25, in the E.S. Good Barn at 1451 University Drive.

The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation aims to use the magic of live horses and books by Walter Farley to spark the imagination of first grade students so they will want to learn to read, and to motivate fourth grade students to enjoy reading.

The purpose of this workshop is to familiarize teachers with the program, introduce them to new ways to increase literacy skills in elementary classrooms and integrate music and literacy into classical children’s literature. Attendees will hear from leaders in the equine industry, including Tim Farley, co-founder of the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation, as well as education professionals about how to integrate literacy strategies into the classroom.

“The purpose of the Black Stallion Literacy Foundation Teacher Workshops is to familiarize teachers with the BSLF Program,” said Wendy Lambert, the foundation’s director of education and technology.

According to Lambert, information about the history and scope of the program is provided and teachers get hands-on experience with various teaching strategies that they can utilize with their own students as they teach Walter Farley's The Black Stallion. The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation curriculum is aligned with state and national standards and thus assists teachers in preparing their students for standardized tests, in addition to providing a meaningful and memorable learning experience for the children.”

The Black Stallion Literacy Program is presented in partnership with The Kentucky Horse Park, The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, UK School of Music, International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Kentucky Bank, PepsiCo Inc. and Columbia Gas of Kentucky.

For additional information on this program, please e-mail molliejam@gmail.com.