If you are looking for a way to spend a quiet evening, I would not suggest visiting one of our Family Literacy Academy sites. With an average of 42 children attending each Tuesday and Thursday evening session, Rankin Elementary's halls and classrooms were ringing with the sounds of learning and laughter late into the evening hours.

On March 14, 2017 the cafeteria was particularly lively. Twenty families gathered to celebrate their completion of two sessions of our Guilford County Family Literacy Academy. From September until March the families gathered each Tuesday and Thursday evening for a meal, and skill-level appropriate literacy instruction. Adults focused on mastering one children's book each week, learning both the skills to read the book and methods to make the book come alive when reading to their children. Children were immersed in activities, songs, and games that targeted their reading and language development.

"My daughter did not know her colors in English two months ago", said Jovita, a young mother of two. "She could tell me some in Spanish, but she seemed confused about English. Now that she has gotten a start, and I have gotten a start, I feel like I can help her at home. I am excited for a new start."

During the celebration, the children played happily, sculpting with Play-Doh and coloring pictures. They moved back and forth from activities to their mothers and instructors, giving hugs, asking questions, laughing and playing with one another.

"This has been a tough year for families like mine," said Maria, "and this program has felt like a safe place for my family to come and learn."

The adults who attended Rankin's Family Literacy Academy were excited to see their children grow and gain new skills, but their own success was to be celebrated as well. During the 6 month session over 93% of the adults went up a literacy level- the equivalent of several grade levels of advancement.  Kjang, a mother of two, acknowledged her own success, saying "It is good to read a book to my child. She loves it, and I feel happy."

Empowering parents to instill the love of reading in their own homes is exciting and important work. As we celebrate the success of the program session at Rankin Elementary we also recognize that there is much more work to be done. We invite you to be a part of that work through volunteering. If you are interested in getting involved, please email Family Literacy Program Coordinator Adriana Adams or call (336)230-2223.