Grants from Coaching for Literacy always make a big difference, but maybe no more so than in Auburn AL, where two programs have seen major progress in the #Fight4Literacy.
Through last year’s #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper, Auburn fans and businesses helped CFL grant Brantley Elementary School and Auburn Youth Programs a total of $10,317 to support their efforts in ensuring local students can read. Read on to learn how the donations were used and all about the progress that was made.
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At Brantley Elementary, a CFL grant resulted in the purchase of a research-based intervention program called the Sonday System. Students are provided with a multi-sensory approach to phonics instruction.
“I love this program because it is fun and I get to learn while playing the different games with my teacher,” said third-grader Ayden.
Frederick, a sixth-grader, said he loves working on his sounds and forming words using the sand tray.
Participants have the opportunity to work with materials such as interactive songs and sound cards, and can touch spelling words.
Tori Hatfield, a teacher in the Brantley Scholars program, has incorporated the program daily in the curriculum and has seen significant improvement in the phonological awareness of her students. She appreciates the Sonday System for providing curriculum benefits while keeping the learning fun.
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A summer reading program that came about because of a CFL grant made all the difference for students helped at Auburn Youth Programs.
For one mother, the change resulted in a rekindling of the passion for reading.
“He has always been an avid reader and library enthusiast,” Shannan Cutler said of her son. “When his end-of-year classes transitioned to an online format and the local library closed to the public due to COVID, I noticed that his enthusiasm for reading waned. He missed exploring the library stacks.”
Then came acceptance in and a scholarship for the summer reading program, followed by a change of attitude.
“He loved getting his package of materials in the mail that included hard copies of two children’s novels,” Shannan said.
Cutler participating in the summer reading program featuring his treasured books
Faced with the chance to get his hands on new reading materials, her son shouted for joy.
“Books, Mom, actually books,” he yelled to her.
After his first online class session, he remained motivated for the duration of the five-week program and successfully completed his reading and writing assignments.
“Thank you for helping to restore my son’s enthusiasm for reading,” Shannan said. “His participation reminded him even though we are sheltering in place and unable to see family, friends and teachers in person, you can be transported to any time or place and have great adventures simply by picking up and reading.”
Shannan may never forget her child's excited words: “Books, Mom, actually books.”
