Empowering Readers at Home

EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMER PROGRAM

Twice-weekly read-alouds

The WITS Early Childhood Summer Program (ECSP) is a literacy program that serves early learners as they enter elementary school, helping them build the foundation to be reading proficiently by third grade.  Students practice emergent literacy skills such as letter name and sound recognition, book and print awareness, and early writing skills.

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WEEKLY READ ALOUDS






Weekly Read Alouds with Laurie

In her role as Curriculum Manager at WITS, Laurie is responsible for developing the content of all WITS programs to drive outcomes. She provides ongoing literacy, behavior management, and social emotional coaching and training for staff to activate with students and volunteers. Laurie previously taught students in grades PreK-3rd in Chicago Public Schools classrooms for seven years. Join Laurie every Wednesday at 11am for a read aloud of a different book accompanied by a fun and engaging literacy activity. 


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SPANISH READ ALOUDS

Weekly Read Alouds with Jesse

WITS agradece que muchos de nuestros estudiantes vienen de hogares de habla hispana y quiere asegurar que tienen la oportunidad de mantenerse en contacto con WITS y disfrutan lecturas en voz alta por ellos. Vamos a publicar un nuevo video cada semana para nuestros jóvenes lectores hispanohablantes que presenta una lectura de voz alta de un libro de cuentos ilustrados en español con Jesse Altman. Cada lectura en voz alta será publicada cada lunes entre 3pm y 4pm. Cada video será acompañado por una actividad del alfabetismo diferente para lectores jóvenes. ¡Esperamos que disfrutes estas lecturas en voz alta!


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GOOSEBUMPS: GHOST CAMP






Weekly Read Alouds with Annie

This summer, WITS is here to continue to provide the joy of reading to anyone who needs it. Annie Kennedy, WITS Community Manager, will be doing a read aloud of Goosebumps: Ghost Camp by R.L. Stine. Videos will be posted every Friday between 1pm and 2pm. Each video will cover a different section of the book accompanied with discussion questions aligned with that section. This spooky read aloud is perfect for 3rd-6th graders. We hope these read alouds are fun, scary, and entertaining for everyone!


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DIARY OF A WIMPY KID


Diary of a Wimpy Kid Read Along Activities

WITS has always understood that consistency is key when it comes to empowering readers. WITS staff, mentors, and students show up every week to share in the joy of reading. Because we are not always able to read in person together, WITS is here to continue to provide the joy of reading to anyone who needs it. We are excited to share these literacy activities for students reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul. WITS has broken down the book into six themes to be studied in six weeks. Each week you will learn something new as you read your copy of the book. 


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WITS KINDERGARTEN ONLINE



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Six lessons in twelve weeks

WITS Kindergarten Online will feature six different lessons, using high-interest and culturally relevant books and corresponding activities in English and in Spanish. Lessons begin with a recorded read aloud from Laurie Brooks, Curriculum Manager at WITS and former Chicago Public Schools teacher, and Rosalba Granados, a primary teacher working in Chicago Public Schools. After watching the read alouds, students and their families are encouraged to step away from the screens and work together on the activities that complement each lesson. The activities can be downloaded and printed or can easily be re-created using materials that are commonly found at home.

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LITERACY ACTIVITIES


Literacy activities for every age

Practicing the skills that make us strong readers and learners continues to be important. Created by our expert team of program staff members, these activities are for the WITS community to keep up the work they do at program, from the comfort of their own homes. As with everything we do at WITS, these activities incorporate new learning in ways that fit different skills and ability levels so that everyone can participate. If you have questions about any of the activities please email Kristen Strobbe, kristens@witschicago.org

Actividades de Alfabetización para todas las edades

Practicar las habilidades que nos hacen lectores y estudiantes fuertes sigue siendo importante. Creadas por nuestro equipo experto de empleados de programas, estas actividades son para que la comunidad de WITS pueda seguir el trabajo que realizan en programa, de la comodidad de sus propios hogares. Como todo lo que hacemos en WITS, estas actividades incorporan nuevos aprendizajes en maneras que se ajusten a las habilidades y niveles diferentes para que todos puedan participar. Si tiene algunas preguntas sobre cualquier actividad, por favor envíe un email a Kristen Strobbe, kristens@witschicago.org.




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ENJOYING THIS RESOURCE? CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION.

With your support, we provide quality literacy enrichment and teacher professional development programs at zero cost to our city’s divested neighborhoods.
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