Read-With-Me
In 2020, as part of our adjusted programs, we organized Read With Me, especially targeting our ESL/ABE students. Our goal is to keep our students actively engaged with English, but also to help establish a pattern of reading in the home. Since students have returned to on campus classes, we have extended Read With Me to include all CWJC students. We help students set reading goals and then provide them with books and reading materials. Students choose from several reading options, but we especially encourage them to read with children in their families.
Funding from Dollar General Literacy Foundation and from Henderson Hospital/Habitat Foundation allows us to purchase books, which students are allowed to keep. In 2022 we had 20 adult students who actively participated and an additional 35 children who read with their mothers or grandmothers. This wonderful program has now become an annual event. Read With Me begins in April and ends in June.
Read With Me is also serving as an element of our fund raising. We solicit multiple sponsors for each participating student. Donors give dollar amounts for each book or story a student reads or donors may make a general donation to Read With Me. This program is a true win-win event!