1200 Gest Street
Cincinnati, OH 45203
Children’s Basic Reading Program
Since 1986, the Literacy Network has championed the development of literacy by raising awareness, improving access, and serving as a catalyst for literacy efforts. During the 2019-2020 school year, the Dater Foundation grant enabled the nurturing of 124 developing readers in grades K-3 in 7 schools through the Children’s Basic Reading Program (CBRP). This program is based in Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach to teach reading to children with severe reading deficiencies or symptoms of dyslexia. The grant helped provide all materials for the class which included instructional workbooks, dry erase boards, notebooks, supplies, and program DVDs. Unfortunately, CBRP was cut short in 2020 due to COVID-19, so year-end scores were not able to be obtained.
Reflections and Looking Ahead … from the Literacy Network
While COVID-19 upended everyone’s plans, it also demonstrated our community’s resiliency, creativity, and generosity. Although students were not in the classroom, we worked closely with our schools, little free library stewards, and community partners to provide books so that children could read at home. When our inventory was depleted, we put a call out for more and our community answered by generously donating thousands of books! Since that time, we have distributed over 37,000 books and continue to with each passing day. During COVID, one of our dedicated Children’s Basic Reading program instructors wanted to ensure her students received the necessary reading instruction so we piloted our first virtual program with her and her students. Although we all would have much preferred to be in the classroom and working at full capacity, this past year reminded us that even when cannot be together, we can connect in new and meaningful ways. For many of the students and families we have the privilege to serve this has been an incredibly challenging year. Our commitment to them is stronger than ever before. As we prepare to recover from the disastrous impact of this past year, we understand that we have a monumental task ahead of us. But with true partners like the Dater Foundation and our creative, generous and problem-solving neighbors, we are reminded of the transformative power of our community and are ready to face the challenge together.
Click on any photo to enlarge.
