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Literacy: Read
and Lead
Imagine a world where road signs make no sense,
instructions and warning labels are undecipherable,
and you receive your news predominantly by hear-say.
Though this may be a distant reality to you, it is
the daily experience of 1/5 of the world’s
population. It is no secret that the ability to
communicate is fundamental to one’s capacity to
function as an active citizen. It is also not
surprising that literacy rates directly correlate to
socio-economic status and family environment. Given
a supportive environment, youth ages 5-12 have the
greatest potential for learning languages. In the
United States, much of the literacy issue is focused
on adult literacy and English as a second language
for immigrant populations. It is important that your
kids not only build their own reading and writing
skills, but that they realize the better command
they have of language the more helpful to others
they can be.
Project Ideas:
1. Reading Buddies—Pair your kids up with
younger students as Reading Buddies on an ongoing
basis.
2. Stacks!—Have your kids volunteer with your
school or neighborhood library to sort and organize
stacks.
3. Slumber Party—Organize a mid-day slumber
party where your club invites a different club or
organization for storytime. Have kids wear pajamas,
bathrobes and/or slippers, and serve milk and
cookies to round out the festivities.
4. Personalized Stories—Have each of your
kids write a book for a younger friend. Have the
story revolve around the main character, who shares
a name with the younger friend. Once the books are
finished, invite the younger kids to a party where
they receive a personal reading of “their” book by
the author.
5. Pen-Pals—Work with another KCC facilitator
to create a pen-pal experience between two clubs.
Encourage letter writing rather than email
communication.
Potential Partner Agencies:
Book ‘Em
Tennessee Literacy Coalition
Nashville Public Libraries, which include:
Main Branch, Bellevue, Bordeaux, Donelson, East,
Edgehill, Edmondson Pike, Goodlettsville, Green
Hills, Hadley Park, Hermitage, Inglewood, Looby,
Madison, North, Old Hickory, Pruitt, Richland Park,
Southeast, Thompson Lane, and Watkins Park |
