Oxford's Leap Frog Program Serves 140 Students Thanks to Coaching for Literacy and Ole Miss MBB Through the #Fight4Literacy

Oxford’s LeapFrog Program Helping Children Gain Ground on Literacy

On February 6th, 2019 the Ole Miss men’s basketball team hosted a #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper.

The coaching staff wore green to promote childhood reading and fans were invited to make donations to help local students become better readers.

With $8,700 raised, hundreds of kids across the state received critical literacy support.

“We’re so much more than a literacy program.” - Executive Director Teresa Adams.

The mission of Leap Frog is to provide a nurturing environment in which “at-risk” students can develop and enhance necessary skills for academic success, build productive, ongoing relationships with adults, and improve their self-esteem. Students also gain mentorship from college students, witness the possibilities higher education and scholarship can offer

“Students enrolled in the Leap Frog program are working hard to improve their reading literacy skills,” said Leap Frog Board President Chip Bolten. “Students, their caregivers and families, and their volunteer tutors have made a commitment to do the work and keep learning outside of school. They come here to do that work and to be mentored, most likely by a college student, so they can see what strong literacy skills can do for them, how it pays off in life.”

Leap Frog provides a nurturing environment in which at-risk first-, second-, and third-graders can improve their reading through the use of one-on-one tutoring with trained volunteers. Leap Frog also strives to provide enrichment activities to help incorporate new experiences into the students’ lives and encourage healthy lifestyles. In the 2019-20 school year, we hope to reduce the percentage of low growth students by 10% as measured by the STAR reading test given in each of the school systems Leap Frog serves and have 75% of our third-graders pass the State Reading Gate test.

Leap Frog has been able to significantly increase the academic achievement of the students in our program. For example, in the 2018/2019 school year, 73% of our students made above average progress compared to students who began the school year with similar achievement scores.

“We’re so much more than a literacy program,” said Executive Director Teresa Adams. “Literacy is the focus of the work, but they also get time to talk with a young adult who can be a positive influence, they get a healthy snack, they get enrichment and playtime. Each of these elements is important for their development. For some, it is simply about a consistent presence in their life.”

To learn how you can support or volunteer with The LeapFrog Program, visit theleapfrogprogram.org.

Memphis Teacher Residency's MTR Camp Benefits Big through the #Fight4Literacy with Memphis Men's Basketball, International Paper, and Coaching for Literacy

“I LOVE TO READ” - The reality for many kids after participating in Memphis Teacher Residency’s MTR Camp

On January 27th, 2019 the Memphis men’s basketball team hosted a #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper.

The coaching staff wore green to promote childhood reading and fans were invited to make donations to help local students become better readers.

With over $16,000 raised, hundreds of kids across the state received critical literacy support.

“Two months later, she’s still excited about MTR Camp.”

Lesly, a rising 2nd grader who attended MTR Camp this summer, hasn’t stopped sharing her experiences with her new 3rd-grade teacher. She asks her teacher almost daily if she could share one of the many things she learned while at MTR Camp. Mrs. J. recorded Lesly and two of her camp friends singing the, “I LOVE TO READ” song sung daily at MTR Camp.

Lesly and her friends demonstrate the “P” in the MTR Camp goals on a daily basis. The “P” stands for promote a love of learning.

At MTR Camp, learning is encouraged through play. For example, to build familiarity with letter sounds, campers play silly games like “headband” - holding a letter up to their forehead and having other campers say words beginning with that letter. Campers also played headband with pictures, and their friends had to use descriptive language to help them guess the object. In addition to text exposure, sight word practice, and targeted literacy instruction, campers enjoy playing games to reinforce the skills of letter sounds and vivid language that are pivotal to becoming strong readers and writers.

This year, campers also participated in several field trips, including a cooking class! They didn't just make a tasty treat, they experienced literacy and real-world measurement concepts too!

Through the balance of instruction, independent time with texts and resources, and play across the summer, campers grew an average of 2.1 months of reading growth.

Mrs. J’s class is a testament of how children can truly love to read, love to learn, and love MTR Camp when they attend on a regular basis.

Memphis Teacher Residency wants you to take advantage of a summer learning adventure with MTR Camp and grow in your love of learning.

Coaching for Literacy’s #Fight4Literacy Initiative Benefits MTR Camp

Thanks to not only the sponsorship of International Paper of the #Fight4Literacy Game with Coach Penny Hardaway and Memphis Men’s Basketball team, but also local businesses joining together in the first-ever #Fight4Literacy Week, Coaching for Literacy was able to grant $16,000 to Memphis Teacher Residency’s MTR Camp for the Summer 2019 program.

These funds were used to help buy iPads for the kids attending the camp to utilize as they worked to fight the “summer slide”, the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

To learn more about Memphis Teacher Residency’s MTR Camp visit memphistr.org.

To learn more about Coaching for Literacy visit coachingforliteracy.org

Iowa State Cyclones Helps Fill Gaps for Reading in Iowa

Raising Readers in Story County fills gaps for reading in Iowa thanks to the Cyclone MBB’s participation in the #Fight4Literacy presented by International Paper and Coaching for Literacy

Coaching for Literacy joined with the Iowa State Cyclones to host a #Fight4Literacy Game on 2.9.19 presented by International Paper. Together with the fans, Coaching for Literacy and International Paper were able to grant over $5,000 to Raising Readers in Story County and Grant Elementary School in Cedar Rapids. Read on to learn about how Raising Readers was about to put the grant money to good use.

Aluel’s parents are extremely hard-working but with no additional family in town, it can be challenging. The Harrison Barnes Reading Academy helps to provide Aluel with a caring literacy tutor after-school and in the summer months. Aluel’s mother, Mary expressed, “This program fills a gap for us and we are grateful for the added reading.”

Aluel has enriched her vocabulary thanks to organizations working together to support her literacy growth!

Raising Readers in Story County is a non-profit organization that partners with the Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Foundation, Ames Public Library, and ASSET to offer free literacy tutoring to students in kindergarten through third grade. Trained volunteer tutors guide students through reading, writing, and word sort activities. Students are encouraged to read daily and earn incentives for reaching reading milestones.

Tera, a dedicated Site Supervise at Raising Readers, shares, “the books received from the Fight for Literacy Grant have helped me be able to offer a wider variety of books to my students.” She credits the Harrison Barnes Reading Academy for providing her with the opportunity to share her love of reading with her students.

76.7% of 139 students in the Harrison Barnes Reading Academy increased their reading level during the six-week summer program this year.

“With the Harrison Barnes Reading Academy program, Aluel has increased her comprehension which makes learning fun for her,” reports her mother. Mary went on to share that “having a tutor has also given Aluel the confidence to read and share her reading skills with a trusted audience.”

Students in the program receive gift books to keep and are able to borrow books from the Lending Library throughout the program to increase access to books and promote daily independent reading.

“We are able to provide the students with a book that they find interesting and are wanting to read, in turn helping to build up their love for reading,” Michaela says.

To serve as a volunteer and support student like Aluel, please visit the Raising Readers in Story County website at www.raising-readers.org

Alabama Men's Basketball Team Up with International Paper and Coaching for Literacy Create Big Wins for Kids in Tuscaloosa

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

On February 23rd, 2019 the Alabama men’s basketball team hosted a #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper.

The coaching staff wore green to promote childhood reading and fans were invited to make donations to help local students become better readers.

With over $9,000 raised, hundreds of kids across the state received critical literacy support.

Alberta Head Start Enhances Early Literacy Skills Thanks to Coaching for Literacy and International Paper

As an avid reader, I do love curling up with a good book, but what I love doing, even more, is sharing my love of reading and books with the children I work with at Alberta Head Start. My favorite part of any day at Head Start is reading books. Reading to children is one of the best parts of being a preschool teacher because there so many possibilities—you can transform yourself into a princess, an evil ogre or a superhero just by changing your voice and facial expressions; transport the children to magical worlds and secret universes with a wave of your hand, or ease a child’s reluctance to interact by making her part of the story.

Reading books to children not only increases language development and skills, but it also helps cognitive and social-emotional development. As children learn language, they must be able to hear it as well as see it. Reading books does exactly that. It is even better when there are follow up activities after the story. For example, examining ladybugs after reading Eric Carle’s The Grouchy Ladybug or making gingerbread cookies after reading The Gingerbread Man by Jim Aylesworth. During these activities, science, math, and language skills are used—learning about living things, counting, measuring, comparing, predicting, recalling details, to name a few.

The positive impact that reading books have on children’s development cannot be emphasized enough. Books are a necessary part of childhood and I cannot fathom a classroom or a home without them. For children attending Head Start, a home with no or very few books is a reality; so is having no one to read to them. Therefore, it is important for teachers here at Alberta Head Start to not only read to the children but follow the books with fun learning activities as well.

Albert Head Start/Early Head Start Center received $3,051.00 from Coaching for Literacy. With this grant, we purchased several literacy materials to help enhance early learning skills, vocabulary, and literacy environments. With these, the developments of pre-reading and cognitive skills are enhanced while we provide early childhood development services and family initiatives to pre-school age children and their families that lead to school readiness and improves family functioning.

Of course, reading is not just limited to teachers and books are not just limited to the ones already at school. Parents, community leaders, and volunteers are invited and encouraged to come read to our children. If people are unable to find time to read, donations of books and other materials are most welcome. Anything that we can do to make reading the rule rather than the exception, will go a long way in setting these children on the path to literacy and school success.

Written by Carlisa Sullivan, Alberta Head Start

#Fight4Literacy with the LSU Tigers scores big for kids in Mansfield, Louisiana

On December 12th, 2018 the LSU men’s basketball team hosted a #Fight4Literacy Game presented by International Paper.

The coaching staff wore green to promote childhood reading and fans were invited to make donations to help local students become better readers.

With over $9,000 raised, hundreds of kids across the state received critical literacy support.

“Due to the Coaching for Literacy Grant, our students have been able to have more hands-on experience in centers, find enjoyment in Scholastic readers, and practice applying literacy skills while incorporating technology” - Malekah Salim-Morgan, Mansfield Elementary.

Mansfield Elementary School's young Wolverines are delving into phonemic awareness and the enjoyment that comes from reading informational text.  All students in lower elementary now have access to the hands-on materials purchased for centers due to the fact that every teacher has received a set for their classroom thanks to the funds received from Coaching for Literacy. As well, every 2nd-grade student will receive a copy of the scholastic reader to keep each month.  Lastly, every 3rd-grade student now has access to MobyMax - intelligent software that finds and fixes learning gaps with the power of personalized learning.

Jonathan Isaac's #Fight4Literacy Game Helps Kids Like Zarius In Orlando

From December 5, 2018 - December 13th, 2018, Jonathan Isaac raised funds and called attention to grade-level reading by wearing the color green (socks, laces, tights, and wristband). Isaac encouraged fans to donate for every point he scored during those four games. Over $2,500 was raised and 100% supported children participating in OCPS’ Read2Succeed program.

The first-grade Read2Succeed program at Orange County Public Schools not only helps children strengthen their vocabulary and reading skills – but it also helps them gain confidence, builds relationships, and overcome obstacles.

“It’s extremely important, not even just in the realm of literacy, but it’s just extremely important to be active in our community, trying to help these kids in any way that we can,” said Isaac, who will match up to $5,000 of the donations made by fans. “It just so happens that this initiative, Coaching for Literacy, is going to be a literacy project, so it’s super fun. I’m excited to score some points and help these kids get some books.”

The grant that Coaching for Literacy was able to provide allowed Orange County Public Schools to purchase 500 copies of “The Grouchy Ladybug”, one of the books provided to their first graders in the Read2Succeed Program. The book is one of the kids’ favorites, however, it also addresses impulse control and the rewards of being polite - key lessons for young children. The grant was made possible by donations raised through Jonathan’s Isaac’s #Fight4Literacy Game in 2019.

“My student, Zarius, had some real challenges at home,” said Pam, one of Read2Succeed’s first-grade tutors. “He would lash out at classmates, and often struggled with his behavior. One of our most effective sessions was reading ‘The Grouchy Ladybug,’ which helped him start using words when he was upset. It was a real turning point. The joy that lit his face when I showed him how much he’d learned during our final session brought tears to my eyes.”

“Kids in the program broaden their vocabulary, of course,” Pam continued. “But kids like Zarius also get a taste of success, books to take home, and another adult who cares about them. And that made all the difference.”

To volunteer, visit www.foundationforocps.org. 

Partnership With GT Men's Basketball and International Paper Creates Summer Learning Gains

The Swahili word “Harambee” translates to English as “all pull together” or “the act of joining with other people to achieve a difficult task.” At Emmaus House in Atlanta, the staff isn’t afraid to come together and tackle challenges. And this past summer, Emmaus House’s Freedom Schools program got an extra hand from Coaching for Literacy and Get Georgia Reading Campaign to do just that.

This spring, Coaching for Literacy (CFL) and International Paper teamed up with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to raise $9,000 through CFL’s #Fight4Literacy Games. The funds were presented to the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, which supported the expansion of the Freedom Schools® program over the summer months in order to combat the “summer slide” for at-risk children.

Students from the south side of Atlanta access literacy coaching and other academic interventions for six weeks each summer through Emmaus House’s neighborhood school partnership with Barack and Michelle Obama (BaMO) Academy. The Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® program, hosted at the BaMO Academy, has helped hundreds of children overcome summer learning loss over the past five years.

“Harambee has become a beloved part of our vocabulary,” said Ann Fowler, director of education services at Emmaus House. “It’s a sacred time that kicks off each morning of our program as students gather daily to empower each other, hear from a read-aloud guest, and channel their energy for learning before heading to their classrooms.”

Children from low-income neighborhoods, like Peoplestown, lose two to three months of learning ability compared to their higher income peers who tend to make slight gains. Freedom School helps students increase academic achievement with the goal of ultimately breaking the cycle of generational poverty.

Since 2015, 86 percent of Freedom School students tested have maintained or increased their reading level, establishing a strong foundation of literacy and empowerment through the school’s liberatory curriculum. This summer, 96 percent of students tested maintained or increased their academic reading level. Those students entered school this fall prepared to learn, without having to overcome the summer slide.

“Freedom School provides the extra support and encouragement that can motivate students to push themselves beyond the limitations they may experience during the school year,” said Fowler. “For students who might not experience success in reading in the classroom, Freedom School provides so many opportunities to succeed. You can see how the motivation and enthusiasm increases each day that they attend.”

Freedom School starts every morning with breakfast to fuel the young minds for learning. When Harambee is complete, students separate into their leveled reading classes to begin morning lessons using the Integrated Reading Curriculum developed by the Children’s Defense Fund. D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything and Read) is 15 minutes that’s dedicated to free reading before heading off to lunch.

Afternoon activities are diverse and change each week—from enrichment classes such as fine art to weekly swim lessons at Piedmont Park. BaMO Academy teachers also are on hand to help with math. Friday afternoons are reserved for field trips to spots like the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, SkyZone, and Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove.

This summer, 120 promising students received instruction from 10 certified teachers at the Freedom School. However, the waiting list indicates that the need significantly outpaces the school’s ability to serve. Students like 9-year-old Jonia who are approaching a critical milestone—being able to read on grade level by third grade—receive vital literacy support during the summer months.

While Freedom School is focused on literacy education for grades K – 6, the program also provides invaluable opportunities for 12 college students to learn to lead as Servant Leader Interns (SLI). Their training takes place at the Children’s Defense Fund Haley Farm in Tennessee, as well as Emmaus House. High school students also have served as Junior SLIs for the past two summers.

“I find it especially rewarding to work in the program because I see how important it is for the young people in our neighborhood to have leadership opportunities and pursue roles that make a difference for their own communities,” said Fowler. “The SLIs often go above and beyond to make learning fun outside of the classroom.”

One SLI, Armoni, had a classroom themed around “The Lion King,” and when the blockbuster was released at the local cinema, she treated all her scholars to a movie night and invited their families to join. This special night provided additional bonding time over a theme they all had grown to love together.

Freedom School staff member Kendra planned a poetry night for a parent meeting that centered on the National Day of Social Action. Scholars wrote poetry, skits, and speeches articulating their views on guns and gun laws—and showed their parents that they are socially conscious and empowered individuals.

The Freedom School program helps students recognize school as a place that can give them the comfort and encouragement they need to thrive year round. The culture and climate plan focuses heavily on creating a site of liberation.

“Scholars are embraced in ways that communicate to them that they’re in a safe space—and that they’re valued emotionally, spiritually, and mentally,” said Fowler. “We approach each scholar and situation with tact and care. Our fundamental mission is to create a place where all our scholars feel genuinely cared for, and where learning feels like love.”

ABOUT COACHING FOR LITERACY

Thanks to the support of its partners and Americans nationwide, Coaching for Literacy has conducted over 125 #Fight4Literacy Games with more than 50 NCAA teams. Their work generates crucial awareness and has provided over $280,000 to fund over 85 literacy projects supporting more than 15,000 children nationwide. The mission of Coaching for Literacy is to use the power of sports to raise awareness about the problem of illiteracy and generate financial support for literacy programs nationwide.

 To learn more about why literacy matters and explore how you can make a difference for literacy efforts in your community, visit coachingforliteracy.org.

For Coaching for Literacy’s Fact Sheet, photos, logos, and videos please refer to the Brand Assets page.

FOR IMMEDIATE CONTACT

• Coaching for Literacy - Chandler Ferguson -chandler@coachingforliteracy.org - 762.338.1224