What is the Initiative
The Initiative is a series of supplemental programs hosted by the Library that promote and encourage literacy acquisition skills for children ages birth through grade three. Each program also features a robust library card registration drive. Together we can grow strong and successful readers, resulting in engaged and educated adults.
The Why
According to the Connecticut Department of Education 54% of third graders in Connecticut are not proficient in reading. Reading proficiently by the end of third grade is a crucial marker in a child’s educational development. Failure to read proficiently is linked to higher rates of school dropout, which suppresses individual earning potential as well as the nation’s competitiveness and general productivity.
The Program
Grow a Reader: The Library hosts two weekly drop in programs for children ages birth through 5. Each participant who attends regularly receives a free book once a month. This program helps to build home libraries and encourages steady participation. Being read to at home and often is a key indicator in future reading acquisition and this program fosters frequent reading. This program is funded by Charlotte Hungerford Hospital: A Hartford HealthCare Partner
Letters Are Characters and Letters Are Builder: An innovative play-based program designed to get every type of learner ready to read. Specifically it helps kindergarten and first grade students break the phonemic or alphabetic code, therefore increasing reading success moving forward. It also empowers parents though awareness and understanding of the science of reading and the brain. The program was designed by reading specialist, Dr. Caroline Wilcox-Ugurlu. Each participant gets one-on-one access to Dr. Wilcox-Ugurlu during the session and after.
Doorway to Learning: Librarians visit each first-grade classroom and read the children a story (which each teacher gets to keep for their classroom library). After our visit to the schools, students take a field trip to the library where they tour the building, engage in a craft or activity, and read another story. Students are sent home with their very own book to keep. This program allows students to visit the library who may not otherwise be able to. This program is funded in by the Scripps Family Foundation for Education and the Arts
Buddy Reading: Teen Advisory Board members are partnered with struggling young readers to strengthen reading skills. Sessions are run quarterly, including the summer months when kids tend to lose learning traction.
Letters Are Characters and Letters Are Builder: An innovative play-based program designed to get every type of learner ready to read. Specifically it helps kindergarten and first grade students break the phonemic or alphabetic code, therefore increasing reading success moving forward. It also empowers parents though awareness and understanding of the science of reading and the brain. The program was designed by reading specialist, Dr. Caroline Wilcox-Ugurlu. Each participant gets one-on-one access to Dr. Wilcox-Ugurlu during the session and after.
Doorway to Learning: Librarians visit each first-grade classroom and read the children a story (which each teacher gets to keep for their classroom library). After our visit to the schools, students take a field trip to the library where they tour the building, engage in a craft or activity, and read another story. Students are sent home with their very own book to keep. This program allows students to visit the library who may not otherwise be able to. This program is funded in by the Scripps Family Foundation for Education and the Arts
Buddy Reading: Teen Advisory Board members are partnered with struggling young readers to strengthen reading skills. Sessions are run quarterly, including the summer months when kids tend to lose learning traction.
