Connecticut Reading Programs, CT Kids Activities

TIPS

Recruitment: Where to find participants

Schools: Family Resource Centers, family nights, talk to teachers and principals, ABE/GED programs
Community Centers
Non-profits serving families: United Way member agencies, child care providers
Libraries
Literacy organizations
Crisis shelters
Pediatric clinics and practices using Reach Out and Read
Hospital social service departments

Incentives: How to attract and keep participants

Book giveaways
Snacks and meals: donated or parents and facilitators take turns
Child care: Potential resources for help from school and college community service coordinators, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, volunteer networks, Junior League, Masons, AARP, Jaycees, Junior Women's Club, Newcomers Clubs, Women's College Clubs. Explore the Civic organizations in your town (typically available by internet).

Icebreakers: How to create a relaxed mood

Great icebreakers can be found here on the Washington Humanities Council Motheread/Fatheread affiliate web site
Self-portraits
Any question related to the theme of a book
Draw a picture, no words, of childhood experience with theme
Make a prediction about the story based on the book cover
Share experiences of previous book and use of Storysharing page
Bring in picture of family and introduce to class
Role play a character

Program: How to boost interest

Skit to illustrate the why and when of parent/child reading
Field trip for parents: Children's Museum, ride carousel, etc -"put selves in shoes of child".
Motheread bookshelf with check out system which includes books outside curriculum
Stickers for kids
Give "craft kit" at start of series, or put together activity boxes that coordinate with each story
Field trip to library. Collaborate with local librarians to welcome your adult participants and to provide library cards.

Celebrations/Graduations: Honoring Motheread Graduates