READ WRITE NOW
“Early Childhood 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 5-8 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 programme for 5- 8 year-old students in Jamaica. The programme 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 programme also offers volunteers a positive and rewarding experience.
#ReadWriteNow #Penpowerment
Results
Read Write Now has been a tremendous success with the programme 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 programme, and the parents are requesting the continuation of the programme for the lower classes.
SCHOOLS VISITED
National Baptist
Basic
Love and Faith
Basic
Cumberland Basic
Silverstone Infant
St Mark’s Anglican
Basic
Westchester Belony Basic
Bridgeport
Basic
Kensington Basic
Harvest Temple
Basic
Greater Portmore Infant
Christel House Jamaica
Waterford Infant
Rehoboth Basic
Mission House Methodist Basic
Maverley Primary and Infant
Portsmouth Basic
Grove Primary and Infant
New Providence Primary
Bridgeport Infant
Hope Valley Experimental
August Town Primary
Newlands Basic
Jamaica House Basic
Sabina Infant 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
Omolora Wilson
Toni-Shea Grey
Reajean Bennett
Zantaye Thomas
Shantavia Thaxter
Shantae Sinclair
Dasia-Ann Lyons
Theoni Savage
Deborah Gordon
Adrianna Bryan
Juzel Mitchell
Jeneque Pinnock
Danielle Cox
Jhada Powell
Nyah Bennett
Sara Piango
Ariel Forde
Keyah Wilsob
Chavel Dennis
Nastassia Haughton
Eliaejah Harris
Dejanae Fagan
Regina Johnson
Cortney-Marie Marks
Shellese Hall
What's Next
We will continue to develop and improve the curriculum while also enhancing the programme’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 three-four school visits per term.
PARTNERS
