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November is Family Literacy Month!

November 18, 2021

By Tarilyn Little, Program Director, Early Literacy

November is National Family Literacy Month and we couldn’t be more excited! Partnership between schools, community-based programs and families is critical in supporting the holistic development of every child and this includes literacy. In the spirit of celebration, community and collaboration, the ExpandED Early Literacy Team wanted to share four ideas for engaging families and supporting literacy development at home during November and beyond.

What Schools and Afterschools Can Do

  1. Host family literacy events: Family literacy nights or events are a great way to engage children and families in reading-based activities together. Pair with a creative theme like Pajama Night, Passport, Around the World or Stories and STEM to increase the fun! Family literacy events are also a great place to connect families to resources. For example, sites could invite the local library branch to table, discuss library services and sign families up for library cards.

  2. Help to build home libraries: Access to and engagement with books from a young age helps to develop an interest in and appreciation for reading. Schools and community programs can help families to expand their home libraries in a few ways:

    1. Partner with organizations like Book Fairies, Brooklyn Book Bodega or First Book that focus on building school, home and community libraries. This may include working together to host a book giveaway event at your site or sending a rep to one of their events and bringing books back to your site to hand out.

    2. Host your own book drive and invite community members and partners to donate. Sites could also use an online wishlist service to request specific book donations.

    3. Apply for book grants like The Coretta Scott King Book Awards Donation Grant

    4. Don’t forget about books for the grown-ups! Reading with children is critical, but so is children seeing their grown-ups as readers!Offer parent/family education workshops: Sites can also support families by hosting workshops on literacy development and literacy-based strategies they can use at home with their children. These workshops can also focus on supporting adult literacy and reading engagement as well.

  4. Send tips and resources home: Another way that we can support families is with easy-to-use tips and resources. This might include:

    1. Read-aloud strategies to use at home

    2. Literacy-based games that can be played at home or on the go

    3. Literacy-focused newsletter with tips, book recommendations and resources to check-out

Research has consistently shown the importance of family involvement in a child’s academic and social-emotional development. Through a clear focus on family engagement and community partnerships, schools and afterschool programs can help foster a love of reading and support literacy development for children and families alike.

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Marleny Polanco

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Marleny Polanco has been with ExpandED Schools for over two years, overseeing literacy programs in the Bronx and Manhattan. With more than 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Marleny brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and sweet demeanor, Marleny is deeply committed to supporting educators and fostering student success. Her thoughtful approach ensures that literacy initiatives are implemented with care and precision, creating meaningful and lasting impacts in the schools she serves.

Allison Philippin

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Allison Philippin has been a vibrant and dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years. She oversees literacy programs in schools across Brooklyn, bringing her energetic and bubbly personality to every interaction.

Allison is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with educators and school communities, consistently pushing for greatness in literacy education. Her enthusiasm and commitment inspire those around her to strive for excellence, ensuring students and educators alike have the support they need to thrive.

Noel Morales

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Noel Morales has been an integral part of the ExpandED Schools team for over three years, bringing his expertise and dedication to literacy education. He oversees literacy programs in schools across the Bronx, supporting educators in creating dynamic and impactful learning environments for their students.

Passionate about equity and access in education, Noel is committed to helping schools implement innovative literacy strategies that inspire a love for learning. His collaborative approach ensures that both teachers, literacy educators, and students have the resources and support needed to succeed.

Alex De La Cruz

Senior Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Alex De La Cruz has been a dedicated member of the ExpandED Schools team for over five years, specializing in literacy program support. As a senior team member, Alex oversees literacy initiatives in schools across Brooklyn and Queens, working closely with educators to foster impactful and engaging learning experiences for students.

With a deep commitment to education, Alex focuses on building strong, supportive relationships with schools and empowering literacy educators to achieve their goals. His work reflects a passion for ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to thrive academically and creatively.

Inayah Ansari

Program Manager, Comprehensive Program Support Team

Inayah Ansari is a seasoned professional with more than a decade of experience in youth development. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating impactful programs and content, particularly in the areas of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and goal development. In addition to her expertise in program development, she has also supervised and coached teams, as well as collaborated with community-based organizations (CBOs) to enhance their efforts in supporting young people.

Inayah’s deep passion for reading books fuels her dedication to her work, especially in her current role with Lit C.R.E.W. She is committed to helping children unlock the joy of reading, believing it can open up a world of possibilities and learning for young minds. Her mission is to inspire and guide children in discovering the wonderful world of books, fostering a love of reading that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Tiffany Perry

Program Director of Lit C.R.E.W., Comprehensive Program Support Team

Tiffany Perry brings over 15 years of experience in education and a decade in the nonprofit sector to her role as Director of Lit C.R.E.W. at ExpandED Schools. She oversees programming in more than 15 schools across New York City, championing innovative literacy initiatives that inspire both educators and students.

A passionate advocate for literacy and creativity, Tiffany is dedicated to empowering young learners to unlock their potential through engaging and meaningful educational experiences. Her work is driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of reading and its ability to connect, inform, and inspire the next generation.