The Literations Link Training Library Launch (OPTIONAL)

We are updating the Training section of The Link to include more resources in a more user friendly format. Please join us to get oriented to the new Training Library and see firsthand some of the useful new videos and training resources.

• Tues, Feb 6 at 1pm
• GET ZOOM LINK

Managing Distractions Workshop (OPTIONAL)

The third in a series of literacy coach volunteer workshops this school year hosted by AARP Experience Corps.

• Wed, Feb 14 at 4pm
• REGISTER HERE

Literacy Coach Drop-In on Zoom (OPTIONAL)

• Fri, Feb 16 at 10am
• GET ZOOM LINK

Volunteer Meet-Up (OPTIONAL)

Volunteer Meet-Ups are AARP Foundation Experience Corps events designed to create spaces for volunteers to celebrate, connect with the community, and collect stories. They are social events with conversation guided by a facilitator.

• Wed, Mar 20 at 4pm
• GET ZOOM LINK

February Vacation

Feb 17 - 25. Literations will not run coaching sessions at our schools or Boys & Girls clubs during the February break.

District Calendars

• BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

*Attending live events should be tracked in the HUB under Training. Watching a recording should be logged under Direct/Other.

Every year we ask coaches to complete a brief check-in to give us feedback on your experience with Literations so far. Please complete by Thursday, Feb 15.

• Coaches Check-in HERE
• Site Team Leaders Check-in HERE

Thanks for Participating in Our Largest Retreat Ever

We were thrilled to have nearly 140 participants at this year's virtual retreat on January 19. We discussed changes in education changes in education like heightened academic expectations and recognizing students' emotions. You can catch the recording HERE, and we'll soon have the slide deck posted on the same page.

And a friendly reminder to those who attended to please take a moment to fill out our SURVEY so that we can plan an even better retreat for next year.

Black History Month

We're excited to celebrate Black History Month by checking out some amazing events and resources around town! Opportunities include:

📚 An EXHIBIT at the Special Collections Reading Room in the BPL main library.

🎬 An inspiring FILM SERIES presented by the Museum of African History.

📍 A VISIT to Peter Salem's grave at Framingham's Old Burying Ground

📺 Engaging PROGRAMMING from New England Public Media.

🚶‍♂️ A self-guided audio TOUR of Underground Railroad sites.

🎤 A poetry READING at the Framingham Public Library

🗒️ A LIST from the Boston mayor's office, featuring Black Arts Organizations.

🛍️ Shopping local at the Black Business POP-UP.

Let's come together to honor, learn, and celebrate the diverse contributions that shape our community.

New Staff/Open Positions

New Staff

We're excited to welcome FOUR new staff members! Joshua Manzanillo, Data Associate; Teddy Holloway, Marketing Coordinator; Amelia Cass, Volunteer Coordinator; and Wendy Giblin, Framingham Program Coordinator.

Open Positions

And we're still looking to add looking to ADD an Outreach Coordinator and another Framingham Program Coordinator.

Community Connections

Have you checked out the COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS tab on The Link? It's full of great resources, things to do, and events in Boston, Framingham, and beyond. It's a lesser visited page on The Link and chock-full of goodness!

Coaching Quick Tips

Highlights from the Retreat

We covered a lot of ground at the retreat last month (again the recording can be found HERE). But here is a quick summary of some of the top points.

• Get Personal: Demonstrate GENUINE HAPPINESS to be with your student. Smile. Make eye contact. Use their name. Start with fun questions to get to know them and share a bit about yourself.

• Be Flexible: Adapt your approach based on how your students respond.

• Experiment: Try different strategies, keep what works, and adjust what doesn't.

• Focus on Strengths: Tailor lessons to their interests and allow them to be the expert on a topic and teach you.

• Involve Students: Ask for ideas, and make it a team effort.

• Empathize: Expecting constant focus is unrealistic. Address unwanted behaviors calmly, add humor, and validate the student's feelings.