a legacy of caring
INFANT WELFARE SOCIETY OF CHICAGO 3600 W. Fullerton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647 773.782.2800 fax 773.782.5042 info@infantwelfare.org
Summer vacation is here, and it’s time to think about backyard barbecues, volleyball on the beach or perhaps a swim in Lake Michigan – yes, all the good things we associate with the season. And let’s add to the list . . . a good book or two. That’s the whole idea behind the Auxiliary’s new summer reading program for kids at the Clinic. According to Chairmen Cindy Vitek of the Riverside Chapter and Mary Plepel and Betsy Bennett of the Wheaton Chapter, the goal is to make reading a part of the children’s daily lives.
Cindy says that the program provides a great incentive to encourage young people
to read – even when school isn’t in session. Studies suggest that some children may
actually regress in terms of their reading aptitude during summer breaks. This program
offers a way for parents to ensure their kids don’t lose time – or ability – during
the
Summer.
Mary explains that the program kicked off at the Clinic on June 19th with a visit from a storyteller who read to the children who then chose three books to begin their summer reading. From all reports, the storyteller was fabulous and delighted parents and children alike with her interactive presentation. Approximately 45 eager readers selected books that day. For the second year in a row, Bonnie’s Book Foundation supported our literacy event with a generous $1,000 donation. We thank the Foundation’s Dee Dee Block for her interest and involvement!
Before they headed home with their new books, the children and their parents were given some guidelines. First, the kids were encouraged to read the books they had chosen aloud to their families. This approach has a positive impact not only on the child who participates but upon the entire family. The goal, of course, is to make literacy a priority for every family member. And sibling rivalry being what it is, some parents have noted that when one of their children “has the floor” reading to the family, brothers and sisters often want to participate as well. In short, reading has become a “family affair” for
our program participants.
Parents were also asked to sign a card for each book the child has fi nished. And when all three books have been read, the children can return to the Clinic with their signed cards and receive another book. At the end of the summer, those kids who have read at least three books will receive a prize. Initially the program has been directed at the children of parents enrolled in our ESL classes. They seem excited about the program, as do their parents who are happy with their kids’ reading progress. One mother tells us that her son’s reading skills have improved, and she’s also delighted that the entire family has made it a practice to come together each night to listen to
their “personal storyteller.”
There are several people who provided invaluable support and guidance for the summer reading program. They include Auxiliary President Rosanne Merrill, Auxiliary Coordinator Maria Penland, Luis Rodriguez, Grosbin Rodriguez and Marco Ruiz. Also notable were the efforts of Associate Board Member Tracy Johnson and Claire Bennett, the daughter of Chairman Betsy Bennett.
The event Chairmen tell us they wish that all our Auxiliary members could have seen the looks on the children’s faces as they selected their books. In Betsy’s words, “Th eir reactions that day spoke volumes about the impact this program has already had upon the children. Th eir enthusiasm makes it all worthwhile!” We thank Cindy, Betsy and Mary for their leadership. When it comes to reading, it’s apparent our IWS kids are quickly moving to the head of the class!
Summer Reading Program Chairmen
Betsy Bennett and Cindy Vitek with
Auxiliary President Rosanne Merrill.
Not pictured: Mary Plepel
Storyteller Linda Gorham drew rave reviews
from her enthusiastic audience.
