Champions Extended Learning™ programs creatively work to spark children’s interest in reading and books as part of our Read*Write*Now! literacy initiative. The program arose out of the U.S. Department of Education focus on developing a love of reading at an early age—and it’s been in full swing at all Champions® sites for over eight years. There’s even a preschool and kindergarten version. We design each program to reinforce district literacy goals.
Motivating Children to Read and Write
In addition to weaving a literacy emphasis into the entire before- and after-school environment, Champions® sets aside at least 30 minutes of the enrichment day for a literacy activity such as reading, writing, or vocabulary building. Examples include the following:
- A program manager agrees to paint himself the kids’ color of choice if the group achieves its reading goals—when the kids reach their goal, it’s also pizza time!
- A summer camp where children not only learn the benefits of healthy eating and exercise and hike to fun locations, but also chronicle their experiences in a daily journal.
- Classrooms appointed to resemble a variety of exotic locations—kids “travel,” learn about different foods and customs, and keep a travel journal.
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