The Transformative Power of Early Literacy: Strong Start® Charitable Organization

The Power of 100

Presented by 100 People Who Care Brant

This month’s focus: Strong Start® Charitable Organization

AT THE BEGINNING OF EVERY GIVING CYCLE, MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL GIVING CIRCLE 100 PEOPLE WHO CARE BRANT ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE A CHARITY OR NON-PROFIT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE COLLECTIVE DONATIONS FROM OUR GROUP. IN THIS NEW MONTHLY COLUMN, WE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON THE WORK AND COMMUNITY EVENTS OFFERED BY NOMINEES WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF OUR DONATIONS. MAY’S FOCUS IS ON STRONG START® CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION

Learning to read is more than just an academic milestone; it is a fundamental life skill that influences a child's self-esteem, ability to learn, and sense of belonging. When a child struggles with reading, the impact is far-reaching, affecting every aspect of their life, including their confidence and their ability to keep up with peers. The importance of early literacy cannot be overstated; it sets children on a path to success in school and in life. Recognizing this, Strong Start® Charitable Organization has dedicated itself to helping young children learn to read, fostering lifelong readers and strengthening communities.

Alex and Anthony work together at the Strong Start® program.

Strong Start®, a registered Canadian charity, offers a suite of programs designed to support literacy development from infancy through early elementary school. These programs are crucial interventions, particularly for children at risk of falling behind. The organization's flagship program, Letters, Sounds and Words , serves children aged 5-9, providing critical early literacy intervention in schools. The program has been instrumental in helping children in Brantford and the County of Brant for over 15 years.

Letters, Sounds and Words is a 10-week program targeting children in Year Two Kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 who need a literacy boost The program begins with pre-assessments to identify each child's specific needs and ends with post-assessments to measure their progress. Children are paired with trained community volunteers who work with them one-on-one, engaging in carefully designed games and activities that make learning fun. The program covers four essential strands: learning the names of letters, understanding the sounds they make, blending sounds to form words, and decoding words to read.

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