Teach 36 children with limited English to read

Thank you to everyone who supports our Penndco Literacy Master Map Program so that our students develop into confident readers who enjoy, understand and grow emotionally and academically through reading. Whereas many programs identify and provide resources to struggling readers, this program is offered to top tier students who are committed to honing their literacy skills. The students’ eagerness and their dedicated parents’ support partnered with my enthusiasm and expertise as their instructor make for an enthusiastic and meaningful weekly experience.

The most important way to advance a skill is to practice it, both in a supervised setting and independently at home. Our students do so much: practice reading aloud; gain confidence in how to learn new vocabulary words rather than just ignore them; study basic grammar in order to self-edit solid sentences and well organized short essays which improves their standard English skills; share thoughtful opinions and questions about the reading in order to learn how to converse in a civil, respectful way. In our class, they are encouraged to ask and share questions that they might not do so during their school day. Additionally, the instructor helps parents who are eager to make their child’s home conducive to the reading enterprise. This does translate into higher PSSA scores and better grades. In the same way that nonmusical parents can support their children’s instrument music practice, so too non-native English speakers are given techniques to support their children’s reading practice in bilingual homes.

Our book are chosen for their varied genres: from the beloved classic, Peter Pan, to the popular fantasy novel that deals with diversity and friendship, Indian in the Cupboard, to the historical fiction of Revolutionary times, The Fighting Ground, to the satire, Animal Farm. The themes resonate for our students whose parents come from the Former Soviet Union. They grow in their literacy skills as well as their sense of appreciation for how their own family story is part of the American narrative and dream.  

Most importantly and magically, each student will experience the thrill of being transported into the world of the novel as they become stronger readers and writers. Joyful weekly classes promote joyful reading experiences at home, better students at school. Our students strengthen their verbal skills and emotional growth through this vital Penndco program.

On a personal note, I look forward to my weekly gathering with our Penndco Literacy Master Map Program readers. They are each dear to me and I am constantly impressed with each one of them and their remarkable families. To our supporters and benefactors, I say, “Thank you so very much.”