Sunday, June 23, 2019

Santa Paula Blanchard Library :: BEST Adult Learning Center Awarded Family Literacy Grants


BEST Adult Learning Center Awarded Family Literacy Grants

A $45,000 grant from the California Library Literacy Services (CLLS) and a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association (ALA) will help support a unique family literacy program at Blanchard Community Library (BCL) that aims to help immigrant families better advocate for their children through improved English and by building the social skills and confidence necessary to participate in an English-speaking world.

The Mommy & Me Literacy program was launched in 2017 at BCL with the purpose of improving reading and writing skills for adults with preschool age children. Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels themselves, according to the national adult literacy organization, ProLiteracy.

To address this statistic, Mommy & Me Literacy strives to lift the English proficiency of parents through traditional language classes while also carving out time for parents to practice early-learning activities with their own children.  Mommy & child spend time together reinforcing the family bond, playing, singing, and building strong reading habits—and exploring the library together.  In addition, once a week, an interactive curriculum, Abriendo Puertas/ Opening Doors helps parents develop their role as their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate.

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