How Afterschool Programs Can Improve Literacy

At Operation Shoestring, we understand that mastering basic reading and writing skills is the key to building a solid foundation for any educational or career path the children we serve choose to pursue. Therefore, we’re committed to helping children strengthen literacy skills outside of normal school hours by engaging them in hands-on learning experiences.

According to an afterschool literacy issue brief by the Afterschool Alliance, “Afterschool and summer learning programs are ideal partners to support literacy efforts, offering an environment that looks different than the school day to engage and excite students about literacy and take advantage of the vast amount of time outside of the school day and school year to help students catch up and keep up in literacy.”

Afterschool programs engage and excite the youth about learning by immersing them in experiences that challenge them and require them to think critically. Effective teaching requires both fostering knowledge and sharing how to apply that knowledge in everyday situations.

Mastering basic literacy skills is essential to developing overall comprehension skills and cultivating success in all aspects of life. We’ve witnessed the personal and academic growth that results from investing in high-quality afterschool programs and dedicating time and effort to ensure each child performs to the best of their ability. That’s why we stress the importance of developing solid reading skills that give children a heightened sense of understanding of the vast world around them.

Simply put, reading open doors for children and reading matters at Operation Shoestring.