READ WRITE NOW
“Kindergarten Creative Writing”
Problem
The worldwide pandemic COVID-19 caused the Jamaican school system to be closed for two years, from March 2020 to January 2022. Some of the students most affected were the early childhood 5-year-olds, primarily due to the lack of internet access in most Jamaican homes, making online learning impossible. Moreover, students with internet access at home also found online learning difficult because of their short attention span. These two years away from the classrooms further caused a drop in the nation’s already low average literacy levels.
Solution
“Read Write Now” a free 9-day creative writing program for 5-year-old students in Jamaica. The program uses unique teaching techniques such as puppets and animated reading videos to inspire and edutain students. By encouraging creativity, the curriculum aims to improve students’ reading and writing skills and ignite a passion for language arts. Teachers are also introduced to creative methods for teaching and enhancing the classroom environment. Daily worksheets measure the success and progress of the students. The program also offers volunteers a positive and rewarding experience.
#ReadWriteNow #Penpowerment
Results
Read Write Now has been a tremendous success with the program seeing 100% participation from students in all schools visited. Students enjoy the reading videos, and the worksheets are versatile. Slow students are able to participate at their level, while advanced students have no limit. Students have shown greater levels in learning, communication, creativity and, most importantly, a greater love for reading and writing. The principals are in love with the program, and the parents are requesting the continuation of the program for the lower classes.
SCHOOLS VISITED
National Baptist
Basic School
Love and Faith
Basic School
Cumberland Basic School
Silverstone Infant School
St Mark’s Anglican
Basic School
Westchester Belony Basic School
Bridgeport
Basic School
Kensington Basic School
Harvest Temple
Basic School
Greater Portmore Infant School
Christel House Jamaica
Waterford Infant School
Rehoboth Basic School
Mission House Methodist Basic School
Maverley Primary and Infant School
Portsmouth Basic School
VOLUNTEERS
A major factor to Read Write Now’s success is the volunteers – all intelligent, talented, and beautiful women.
Ajowah Davidson
Debbie-Ann Forbes
Shanique Singh
Akelia Clarke
Rineil Brown
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh
Danielle Dowie
Khdrea Jones
Dru-Lissa Grant
Rickie-Ann Witter
Shade Barrett
Kadyah Thomas
Suana Callum
Suelan Fung
Chavelle Kavanaugh
Sabbrena Marston
Marieka Shaw
Celine Walters
Kavelle Bromfield
Roshea Masters
Titania Mycko
Mickella Anderson
Alisha Thorpee
Aundrene Cameron
Gabriel Hunter
Abygale Brown
Jordanne Lauren Levy
Kimone Carty
Marika Pecco
Sabrina Johnson
Joliese Johnson
Kelsi Jack
Kayleigh Reece
Krystal Ball
Daindra Harrison
Ackeera Campbell
Deidrie Wadsworth
Chevon Vassell
Jahlene Thomas
Cordella Hylton
Crystal Whittaker
Jerr-Lee Walker
Ashley Taylor
Jhanielle Powell
Donale Bryan
Makalia Benjamin
Sherai Campbell
Catherine Lloyd
Samantha McLeod
Rollesha Laing
Cindy Andrews
Shakeria Little
What's Next
We will continue to develop and improve the curriculum while also enhancing the program’s reach. We hope to create a platform in which students from across the country can receive worksheets, lesson videos, and one new animated reading video per week. Additionally, we will continue to conduct two school visits per term.
PARTNERS
