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Joy is on vacation and while away she asked if I'd like to fill in for her so here goes (again): Club members generally know about the Literacy Buddy Program run by the Early Learning Coalition (ELC). It promotes early literacy by providing pre-school children with quality books that teachers read to them (and the class). Afterward they take their book home. The project also supports parents as partners in their children’s learning. However, you may not know about the ELC's other initiatives to promote literacy in young children. For example:  Roving Reader Program – Assigns volunteers to visit particular sites or classrooms on a regular basis to read to young children. The volunteers may also assist the teacher in other reading skills projects. Bucket of Books Program - Local businesses sign up to be a host location for an ELC Bucket of Books allowing young children to look through books while their families work with sales people or staff. Doctors offices and clinics are especially good locations. The ELC provides the books and manages the program, at no cost. (Turns out that “buckets” empty over time and that’s a good thing!) The ELC also sponsors book drives and school supplies drives to support children in pre-schools. More information online. Not to be overlooked are similar efforts outside the ELC organization I came across one at the food bank run by Church of the Palms on their campus. I spoke with Kathleen Robinett, the food service coordinator and found out that children often come to the Palm's food bank with their parents. Seeing an opportunity, Kathleen will frequently put out books for the children to select and take home. |
