training, and all materials needed for workshops free of charge, including free books, CDs, and DVDs to give away to parents. You will receive a stipend and expense reimbursement for the workshops you provide (as few as two as many as you like!)
"Let's Read Together" Literacy Volunteer Program
Let’s Read Together was created to assist families to help children become strong readers. All of the Let’s Read Together workshops are designed for parents of infants through five years old. Each session teaches important skills needed to explore language, language development and encourage an early love of books. Sessions range from 30 to 90 minutes and can be offered individually or as a series. The workshops provide parents with fun, practical, easy-to-learn tips and ideas on how to introduce books and sounds.
For more information about these workshops, contact Kimm Phillips at 848-5446 or LetsReadTogether@nhpirc.org. or visit the this page.
Workshops Available
Bonding with Books
This workshop provides an overview for parents of how to introduce books to very young children and develop a sense of what types of books are appropriate for different ages. Bonding with books is currently available in a 60- or 90-minute format, in both English and Spanish.
Creating Literacy-Rich Environments*
This workshop helps participants create an environment that encourages young children to explore and make discoveries about language and literacy through play, routines and other daily experiences. Learn how to use pictures, books and song to individualize the environment in response to culture, personal interests and language.
Reading Aloud*
Reading aloud to young children is one of the most effective ways to support language and literacy development. Children who are read to from infancy associate reading with pleasant, warm feelings. This workshop focuses on reading aloud in a way that engages and actively involves young children.
Where Conversation Leads*
Children begin to learn about conversation in infancy when their families and caregivers respond to their sounds and gestures and play games and sing songs with them. This workshop focuses on engaging children as equal partners in conversation and encouraging children to build listening and speaking skills as a tool for thinking and learning.
Making My Mark: The Writing Connection*
Children pass through stages as they develop drawing and writing skills. Writing helps children develop an awareness of how print is organized and used and how it is related to spoken words. Learn how you can support children's growth from early scribbling to learning to write their name.
Supporting Language and Literacy Every Day*
Language and literacy skills are connected to more than just reading. There are many activities during the day that provide an opportunity to have fun with words. Learn how to promote literacy in a wide range of activities from pretend play, to self expression, to painting, to finger plays, songs, and more.
Make Reading Fun: Creating Your Own Books
This interactive workshop provides ideas, tools and materials for parents to learn how to make simple books. No matter what your comfort level is with reading, making a book and sharing a story with a young child is a fast (and easy) way to help children grow to love books. Leave this workshop with a hand made gift for your young child.
Interactive Reading: Storybooks and Storytelling
This workshop instills lasting, positive affection toward books! It expands on what a book offers to increase learning, communication, and vocabulary. Participants learn to talk about the words, pictures, and even the design of the book with their young children. Attendees also go home with their own new book to start using their new skills right away!
* Developed by the national organization Reading is Fundamental.
