The Raising A Reader Review | Winter Edition
Raising A Reader Massachusetts is committed to giving every child an equal opportunity for achievement by engaging parents from low-income communities in a routine of daily book sharing with their children from birth through age five.
A Note from the Executive Director
In the past year, nearly 8,000 children and families across the Commonwealth, including Everett mother, Fernanda Rocha, shared time together exploring Where the Wild Things Are, imagining The Little Engine that Could and saying Goodnight, Moon.
Fernanda writes about her experience mothering two boys diagnosed with autism. Translated from Brazilian Portuguese, she writes, “My children wait anxiously for the family Red Bag time,†referring to the Raising A Reader red bag. “It is an amusing and enjoyable moment for us. It is play time, and we have fun making sounds of cars, animals and nature sounds: ‘thunnnder!’ I play out the story in a very entertaining and exaggerated way. I can notice the contagious joy that is transmitted through playful reading.â€
Moments like these are at the core of our mission – engaging families so that children may enter school with a love of books and ready to learn. On behalf of parents like Fernanda across the state, we are so grateful for your support.
From the Raising A Reader Family to yours, happy new year!
Donna DiFillippo
Executive Director
“Raising Mystic Readers†Recognized by SomerPromise Initiative
Launched in 2009, the Somerville Promise Alliance, or SomerPromise, aims to bring together representatives from city government, public schools, nonprofits, and other service providers in order to improve opportunities and educational outcomes for Somerville’s youth. Somerville’s non-profit community has nominated Raising A Reader MA Program Coordinator, Heloisa Alvarez to represent them on the SomerPromise Advisory Board. Thank you, Somerville, for your leadership in promoting early child literacy.  Click here to learn about other activities in the field.
Chelsea Students Graduate from Raising A Reader MA Program
Thirteen children from A Kangaroo’s Pouch Day Care graduated from the Raising A Reader Program. Ana Ruiz, Kangaroo’s Pouch Program Director, addressed parents and children at the graduation ceremony. “The children that today are graduating …  have participated successfully during the last two years in the Raising A Reader program, making reading a daily habit at home, and strengthening family bonds, that I’m sure will continue developing in the future.”
It is this investment in early education that directly impacts Kindergarten readiness, academic success and lifetime achievement.
Boston Courant highlights Raising A Reader MA
Raising A Reader MA is featured in the list of Boston Courant holiday charities! Check out the Dec. 17th issue of the Boston Courant.
Fellowship Opportunity
Raising A Reader MA is excited to unveil its inaugural Fellowship program. We are seeking curious, hard-working, dedicated individuals to help develop one of six of Raising A Reader MA key project areas. Deadlines are January 9, 2011 for spring term or April 15, 2011 for summer term. Please see our Career Opportunities for more info and instructions.
A Holiday Wish (or three)
Raising A Reader MA is seeking an LCD projector, photo printer, and gently used digital camera in order to capture little readers and their love of reading. If you would like to make a donation please contact us at (617) 292-BOOK or info@raisingareaderma.org. For other ways to give, click here. Your support is truly appreciated!
Volunteers Needed Too!
Raising A Reader MA is looking for committed volunteers to perform a number of behind-the-scenes tasks to strengthen our program. Duties may include data entry, preparing materials for activities with child and adult participants, creating event advertising materials, and calling potential training attendees. Volunteers will be notified weekly via e-mail about opportunities for the coming week. There is no minimum time commitment, and volunteers will be trained on site for their specific tasks. For more information, please contact Sara Pollock DeMedeiros at spdemedeiros@raisingareaderma.org or 617-824-0827
The Family Corner: Tips for Parents
This recurring feature written by Raising A Reader MA team members provides tools for families to engage in a book sharing routine which is proven to impact children’s school readiness and academic success.
The Importance of Asking Questions during Storytime
Contributed by Siury Pulgar
Raising A Reader MA Program Coordinator
Experts in language development have identified the frequent practice of dialogic reading as an effective way to help children expand their vocabulary and develop other skills necessary for educational success. Dialogic reading allows children to be actively involved in the story, by responding to questions, asking questions themselves, and co-telling the story alongside the adult.
To practice dialogic reading, just follow these basic steps:
1) Ask a question. For younger children, questions that begin with what, who and where, are more appropriate. Older children could also be asked questions starting with why and how. Whenever possible, avoid questions that can be answered with a yes or no.
2) Repeat the child’s answer and expand with a short sentence or ask a follow-up question.
3) Make a connection between the picture and the child’s life. “Tell me about your trip to the zoo. Which one of these animals did you see there?â€
4) Remember to have fun! Interactive storytime is a perfect opportunity to cuddle and enjoy a special moment with your child.
Click here to see a list of recommended children’s books to share with your child.
Thank you for helping to raise readers across the Commonwealth,
so children can enter school with a love of books and ready to learn!