REACH OUT AND READ (ROAR)

Need Addressed:  Research proves that the importance of reading to children is critical to their educational and social development, and that it is also a great way to focus on the family. Statistics show that children with parents or caregivers who read to them perform 10% higher (or more) on standardized tests. Therefore we strive to affect these children positively by reading to them and encouraging them to read, which in turn positively influences their future achievement. ROAR provides an environment where education and literacy are emphasized to children who may not otherwise receive this opportunity. 

Program Description:  Each week while their parents attend Baby Basics class; a teacher, staff and volunteers read stories to pre-school children and assist them with craft projects. We believe that every child deserves to have a good book read to him or her. Also, every child deserves to have good books they can call their very own. It is rare for a child in the neighborhood surrounding The Potter’s Wheel to possess multiple books that they can read and be proud to own. Once a month we have been able to give each child in ROAR a book to keep. We also provide materials for group activities that promote literacy. 

Mission Alignment:  The ROAR program aligns with The Potter’s Wheel Ministries’ mission by meeting spiritual, physical, emotional, and educational needs of inner-city Evansville children to transform lives by strengthening families.

Goal/Impact:  The goal of the ROAR program is to motivate children to enjoy reading. Baby Basics and ROAR share similar goals – strengthen the bond between parent and child and enhance the quality of life for the parents, children and the family unit. 

Outputs:  Attendance sheets will be maintained for each session. A monthly report will be submitted to the administrator prior to the board of directors meeting. Expected outputs will be that at least an average of 12 pre-school aged children per session will participate in ROAR during the first six months of the grant period. At least an average of 15 pre-school aged children per session will participate in ROAR during the second six months of the grant period. Increased enjoyment of being read to, an increased interest in books, and an increased attention span will be evaluated by observations of the teacher, staff and volunteers.

Outcomes:  The goal of the ROAR program is to promote literacy and instill an excitement for wanting to read in children.