Dear Raising A Reader Network,
One of the things that differentiates Raising A Reader from a simple book sharing program is our focus on family engagement. By supporting families with shared reading strategies and educational opportunities we include the entire family in the development of at-home literacy routines that will last a lifetime. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made in-person parent engagement opportunities nearly impossible, we have heard some great ideas from Affiliates that are connecting, virtually, with families. At Friday’s Town Hall, Affiliates shared ways they are keeping those book sharing practices going strong throughout the summer.
Raising A Reader, Aspen to Parachute
- Using Messenger/WhatsApp to send invitations and updates to families
- Holding weekly bilingual read alouds on our Facebook page, and inviting community members to read aloud
- Sending out Little Red Activity Bags – and holding Zoom classes to model reading and extension activity with contents
- Giving away used books through meal distribution program
San Luis Obispo County Office of Education
- Sending kits to RAR implementers that include everything for them to conduct online workshops with the parents and families:
- Books in an RAR Red Book Bag
- Connection activities
- Puppet to engage children
- Tip sheets for conducting read alouds online
- Cell phone holder so they can film themselves while modeling
For full details, watch the recorded version of the Town Hall!
Join us for our weekly Town Hall on Friday, July 17, as Raising A Reader continues to discuss the COVID Recovery Plan, including ideas and modifications for program implementation. Register here.
Kindest regards,
The Raising A Reader team
Weekly Super Summer Town Hall Meetings
This is a forum for RAR and Affiliates to share resources, ask questions and network. Raising A Reader will also provide information from partners such as Khan Academy Kids, Ready4K, Springboard Collaborative, Common Sense Media and others during this forum. Meetings take place on Fridays at 11 AM PDT/2 PM EDT.
Register here for RAR Town Hall Meetings
COVID-19 Affiliate Toolkit
This toolkit features a collection of information and resources requested by the network. The toolkit is updated regularly so check back often.
Disinfecting Materials Flyer
Inventory Spreadsheet
Resource Library
RAR’s Youtube Page
Professional Development & E-Learning
Raising A Reader is collecting professional development opportunities from Affiliates and partner organizations. This week’s webinar opportunities are:
Campaign for Grade-level Reading Learning Tuesdays
This week is GLR Week 2020, a week-long series of events and activities sponsored by the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and the states and local communities in the GLR Network, all geared toward ensuring early school success; mobilizing efforts to slow, stop and reverse learning loss; and embracing parents as essential partners. Register today.
NAFSCE
Effective Practices Summer Webinar Series: Trauma-Informed Family and Community Engagement. Part 3: Trauma-informed Practices in MD and PA with the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement Center and Dr. Seth Shaffer.
Registrants are encouraged to watch this 15-minute TED talk and read this short summary of the ACEs study for background on the science behind trauma.
July 22 | 12:00 PM PT | 3:00 PM ET
Register here.
COX Campus
Summer Learning & School Readiness for Families
Develop and extend your child’s learning through meaningful interactions and engaging activities in everyday situations – in the way that best suits your family – so everyone is ready when school starts again. Learn more.