The First
Alaskans Institute is a non-profit charitable organization
whose mission is to help develop the capacities of
Alaska Native people and their communities to meet
the social, economic and educational challenges of
the future.
As a kickoff for literacy involvement
in Anchorage, the First Alaskans initially came to
our school in the spring of 2004. They had over 70
volunteers reading aloud to groups of children in
our school and at Williwaw. The kindergarten through
third grade students were all given a book to own
and read.
Following
this kickoff event, Sarah Scanlan and her team from
First Alaskans were inspired to help Alaskan children
become readers early in their school years. She contacted
William Tyson principal John Kito again this fall to
form a business partnership with our school. We decided
together to begin with a “Breakfast Club.” Ten
adults from First Alaskans Institute alternate days
and read to and listen to our students read. This takes
place from 8:30 until 9:00 AM every morning. The dedication
of these adults to the twelve to fifteen students they
serve has been exemplary. They do not miss a day. The
children get their breakfast trays and head to the
classroom to meet with their reading mentors. While
the children eat, the First Alaskans read. When they
are finished, the children read to the adults. |
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We decided to have the same children come to breakfast
club every day, to give them a sense of belonging
and to really make a difference in their reading
growth. We are hoping to expand the program as the
First Alaskans bring in other volunteers.
One outstanding characteristic of this partnership
is the commitment of both the school and the First
Alaskans to helping children who are struggling with
reading skills. The depth of the commitment is evident
through the sustaining support given by this business
partnership. The impact on the students can be seen
in their happy faces and their increased interest
in reading for pleasure. Most of the students’ reading
scores have been rising steadily.
The business partners at First Alaskans have commented
that the “Breakfast Club” is a wonderful
way to start the day. The adults have seen the children
grow from shy to eager participants.
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