After School Reads

After School Reads meets the diverse needs of after school staff members by training them in strategies that infuse literacy activities in the academic portion of after school activities. The After School KidzLit, KidzMath and KidzScience programs produced by the Developmental Studies Center are used to provide easy to understand strategies and activities to create enjoyable, hands-on learning experiences for the counselors to share with their students. Sites also participate in the Reading is Fundamental National Book program, giving the children three times over the course of a school year the opportunity to select a book to keep.

2011-2012 Program Outcomes:

  • 102 trainings, observations and modeling were held for 299 participants at 25 afterschool sites.
  • 17,200 books were distributed to after school programs.
  • 12 Family Reading Nights were conducted with 247 adults and 318 children.
  • The program impacted 2,500 children.

PROGRAM IMPACT

"Reading is so boring. Why do we have to read?” This was always the question raised by many of our children in our afterschool program. Reading was not the highlight of their day. In fact, many of our children would fall asleep or simply stare at the wall.

In the spring of 2011, we were introduced to the Literacy Coalition and began a collaborative partnership that includes the implementation of the KidzLit curriculum through the After School Reads Program. KidzLit is designed to encourage reading as well as to create an environment that supports fun activities related to literacy. The program also provides the children an opportunity to make real world connections through reading.

Our first experience was with a book entitled Goggles. From the introduction to the wrap up section of the activity, our children were excited and very enthusiastic. The hands-on activities allowed them to really connect with the book. Since that day, our children began to enjoy reading. Now, they are reading aloud as well as doing partner reading. After School Reads has encouraged our children not only to read more, but also to write more. The implementation of KidzLit has inspired our children to write a book. This project has given our children a new insight on reading and writing. Now, they can really understand the process of writing and truly appreciate books.

Additionally, the After School Reads Program has assisted a number of our children with their reading levels. We have seen an increase in at least one letter grade for some of our children and others have increased their vocabulary. In all, the program has motivated our children to embrace literacy instead of fear it.


Shantel Drayton, MPA, B.A.
Pathways to Prosperity/Bridges at Boynton Beach