Rec & Read is a specialized program that aims to improve reading proficiency for students transitioning from Grade 1 to Grade 2. The three-week summertime program is split into two parts – reading and recreation. The program curriculum is designed by District literacy teachers that share their practices, resources, and successes to help students progress their literacy skills and build confidence inside and outside of the classroom.

At Hastings Elementary, a typical day in the program begins with a reading of a poem or song. Students then divide into small groups to work on activities at different stations. These include guided reading of short stories, writing stories with illustrations and word making - where students need to spell out a word with coloured tiles.

New to the program this year is a story workshop station where students use different materials such as feathers, beads, and ribbons to create an object to tell a story. Students then write about their creations and present them to their teacher and their peers. In the afternoons, students spend their time outdoors playing games, making crafts, or paying a visit to a local park or the public library – these activities are led by community agency partners: Community Centre Associations and Neighbourhood Houses.

Gavin Clark, a community school coordinator at Hastings Elementary, says one of the biggest goals of the program is for students to reach the independent reading level for their grade. “The students that come into the program are ones that require assistance in their reading and writing skills,” says Clark. “The program is very focused and has students concentrating on one subject which is a lot less overwhelming.”

Clark says students end up improving many skills in addition to literacy. “The program helps students thrive in their regular school settings because they are able to explore concepts like self-advocacy, they become more aware of others around them, and most importantly they learn how to embrace the idea of ‘I can do this’ rather than ‘I can’t do this’,” he explains.

Over the last four weeks, District literacy teacher Nina Luistro says she has seen a lot of improvements, especially when she reads with students one-on-one. “Each student came into the program with a lot of challenges due to disruption from the pandemic,” Luistro explains. “It is great to have this opportunity to work more closely with the students to improve their reading.”

AR Lord Elementary parent, Byriar Cook agrees and says her son Aiden has faced a few hurdles. “Rec & Read has given Aiden the opportunity to strengthen his reading abilities which were challenging to develop during the pandemic,” she says.

During the final week of Rec & Read, Cook says her Grade 2 son Aiden found the support he needed after a tough year in Grade 1. He also made new connections with friends during the recreational periods.

Clark and Luistro say students at Hastings are leaving the program this week feeling empowered valued and successful, with new reading strategies and look forward to seeing their students’ achievements in action in September.