Hello Literations Community,

As we move forward into November, we’re reminded of the importance of connection and collaboration, solidarity and purpose. We’re grateful to have a shared commitment to building brighter futures for young readers.

Our work together—empowering literacy, fostering growth, and strengthening communities—feels more important than ever because of the positive change we can make each day. Let’s continue to build a better world, supporting one another, and celebrating the impact we make, one student at a time.

Thank you for being part of this work.

School Assignments

Thank you for your patience if you're still waiting to be assigned to a school! We are as eager as you are to get this done. Please see the LINK for the latest updates on the process.

Emerging Reader Program Town Hall Date Change and Video

Given some other Literations calendar conflicts and that our Boston schools are just starting sessions, we are rescheduling the ERP Town Hall to Thursday, Dec 5 from 12-1pm.

We appreciate that some coaches may need some additional ERP support during November. Please attend one of the LC Zoom Drop-Ins (see below) to ask questions of our training team.

As promised, coaches can also watch a demonstration of the Emergent Reader Program in action as led by our Literations Literacy and Training Consultant, Lisa Besen. This video demonstrates how to introduce new words, practice previously introduced words, play a HFW game, and how to use the RAZ books for decoding practice.

Hub Training

• New Volunteer Hub Training in Framingham on 11/14 from 9:30-12:45pm. Register Here. Remember to bring a personal device like laptop or tablet and your session records.

• With the delayed start in Boston programs, we are targeting an early December date for new volunteer training in the EC Hub. Continue to check the Link for up-to-date information.

• A recording of our Refresher training can be found on the home page of the LINK under EC Hub Tech Training.

Mark Your Calendar

Reminder - No Sessions

• Nov 11 - Veterans Day
• Nov 27-29 - Thanksgiving Break

Emergent Reader Program (ERP) Town Hall (Virtual)

If you're serving an ERP student this year, we encourage you to join this Town Hall for a refresher on running the ERP program plus a deep dive into ERP best practices. We promise a fun and engaging time!

Date: Thursday, Dec 5 (note date change)

Time: 12-1pm

Location: online

Register Here

Zoom Literacy Coach Drop-Ins

Do you have a student who has been hard to engage? Are you not sure how long is "just right" for sticking with one RAZ book before moving on? Do you wonder why most of our RAZ library books are nonfiction? You're not alone! 

Please join members of the Literations staff for drop-in hours to get advice on any program-related questions that may have popped up in the first weeks of sessions and have some great discussions with other coaches and Literations staff.

Dates and times:

• Tue, Nov 19 at 1pm
• Wed, Dec 4 at 9:30am
• Tue, Dec 17 at 1pm
• Wed, Jan 15 at 1pm

No need to register in advance. Zoom link for all Drop-Ins: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/84150577396



District Calendars

• Boston Public Schools
• Framingham Public Schools

Join us for a relaxed walk in the park with fellow Literations volunteers! It’s all about enjoying fresh air, good company, and great conversations. RSVP if you can—it helps us plan! Walk-ins are welcome too. (Events will be canceled if it rains.) Hope to see you there!

Cochituate Rail Trail

Date: Thursday Nov 21

Time: 2:30pm

Meeting spot: 11 Mechanic St Parking Lot, Natick

Franklin Park

Date: Friday Nov 22

Time: 2pm

Meeting spot: William J. Devine Golf Course Club House, Boston

Native American Heritage Month

Join us in celebrating National Native American Heritage Month! Here are some resources and events to help you explore and honor Indigenous cultures and histories:

• Check out the Boston Public Library's book list featuring books that highlight the experiences of Native and Indigenous communities throughout North America.
• Discover which Indigenous lands you're on with the Native Land Digital map.
• Visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for additional resources and events celebrating Native American Heritage Month across the U.S.
• Find events and resources specific to the Boston area on the City of Boston's Native American Heritage Month page.

We're thrilled to introduce Lisha Omoroghomwan, who recently joined the Literations team as Outreach Coordinator! Lisha brings a wealth of experience in community outreach and engagement, and he’s eager to connect with volunteers and local partners to expand our impact.

If you have suggestions for events or community organizations that Lisha should connect with, please feel free to reach out to him at lomoroghomwan@literations.org. You can also learn more on our staff page.

Coaching Quick Tips

For Engaging Read-Aloud Sessions

1. Model Expressive Reading: Use varied tones and expressions to bring the story to life. This keeps students engaged and shows how voice can convey meaning.
2. Pause for Predictions: Before turning a page, ask the student what they think might happen next. This encourages active listening and curiosity.
3. Highlight Vocabulary: When encountering challenging words, pause to explain or discuss them briefly. Relating words to familiar concepts helps build vocabulary naturally.
4. Make Personal Connections: Ask the student if parts of the story remind them of anything in their life. Personal connections make the story more memorable and relatable.
5. Encourage Reflection: After reading, ask open-ended questions like "What was your favorite part?" or "What would you do if you were the character?" This deepens comprehension and invites critical thinking.