March is National Reading Month and The Children’s Trust is busy making sure that all of Miami-Dade’s children jump into early learning activities throughout the month to kickstart a lifelong fascination with reading. That is the basis of the month-long READy, Set, Go Miami! initiative that enters its second year with a focus on helping parents and educators build upon what families are already doing with their children to improve reading skills through workshops held around the county.
This month-long collaboration results in workshops created by the community for the community (almost anyone can host the workshops) at schools, child care center, churches, parent groups and other community-based organizations that engage families around the county. Visit www.readysetgomiami.com for more information on how to host and www.thechildrenstrust.org/calendar to find a workshop.
Building upon what READy, Set, Go Miami! accomplished last year – over 50 workshops in which 97 percent of participants said they learned something new and would recommend the workshops to others – this year the initiative is focused on children with disabilities and inclusion for all children.
A parent and child’s everyday routines can help develop and ready them for a successful life, but a lot of that comes without either of them thinking about it. Learning happens organically, but when parents are aware of how a child develops language, communication and early math skills they can better prepare their children for entering school and provide a strong foundation for learning throughout life. The literacy workshops shine light on how those routines can help children read more and better, and what parents can focus on to help that process.
As well as the countywide workshops, The Trust and its READy, Set, Go Miami! literacy partners will host a Family Literacy Day at the Redland Community Center at 29264 SW 159 Court, Homestead, FL 33033 on Saturday, March 19. Participants can expect giveaways, family yoga, field day activities, arts and crafts, as well as wellness check-ups and vaccines provided by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Mobile Unit. The South Florida Center for Percussive Arts will also be performing and inviting families to join in a drumming session. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
READy, Set, Go Miami! is the month-long collaboration to promote simple early literacy activities at home and highlight the early childhood resources available to Miami-Dade families year-round. To learn more about READy, Set, Go Miami! visit www.readysetgomiami.com and find workshops at www.thechildrenstrust.org/calendar.