Summer Learning & Fun!
Our summer youth program is in full swing! Thirty children in grades K – 3 attend for math and reading support to keep them on track during the school holiday.
The main focus of the program is literacy. Even the math instruction includes reading comprehension. Jadie Vasquez, Program Coordinator, said “we really want to increase their reading level and keep them improving over the summer.” One of the program’s goals is to have each child read a minimum of 10 books before September.
Parent engagement is an important part of the program. Parents participate in classroom activities that teach techniques for reading with their children at home. The activities are adjusted to accommodate parents at any literacy level. Jadie said, “it’s really about motivating the parent to be an active part of their child’s education, even if they don’t have much education themselves.”
The program will conclude in August with a fun field day in Central Park.
This summer, we’re also grateful to have the help of five Summer Youth Employees through the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. These industrious teens are working with children in our summer program and at our thrift store and food pantry.