The following is a brief overview of how the Read to Me Project works.
The Read to Me Project is implemented in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade classrooms in low-literacy school districts. During the initial classroom presentation, students are taught about early brain development, the importance of reading to young children and are shown the “9 Best Ways to Read to Young Children.”
Participating classrooms are provided with a book-bin filled with age appropriate books. The books are carefully chosen for content, developmental level, and ease of reading by students with limited reading skills. Each week, students check out a book, which they read to their young family members (ages 8 months to 5 years) as part of their nightly homework.
The Project Coordinators work closely with teachers and students throughout the year, providing on-going coaching, support and motivation to participating teachers and students.
Students are recognized for their participation and dedication. At the end of the school year, each student receives a certificate of recognition and a bag of books so they can continue to read to their siblings during the summer.
The Read to Me Project is designed to provide continuous sibling-to-sibling engagement. Young siblings may be read to over a span of up to three years as participating students move through grades 4, 5, and 6. This continuity provides young children with extended exposure to early literature and increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.