Manchester, CT – a town with both urban and rural influences
2024 was Manchester’s eighth year as a READy for the Grade site with Mary Cheney Public Library as lead partner, though only its sixth year offering instruction. In 2020, Manchester replaced in-person instruction with literacy kits, which they distributed weekly for 7 weeks to 17 families. In 2021, restrictions forced Manchester to suspend participation in READy for the Grade in 2021. They resumed partial operations in 2022 by distributing literacy kits that included books, family games, and literacy activities. Since 2023, Squire Village community center has hosted READy for the grade. The center’s family resource coordinator assists two staff from the local elementary school in running the program.
Manchester held 2 hours of programming per day, 4 days per week, for 8 weeks in 2024, for a total of approximately 388 hours.
15 children attended regularly. On average, each student attended 26 hours.
10 additional children explored the program, appreciating the freedom to come and go as they pleased.
Instead of hosting family events, Manchester staff invited parents to visit and observe their children in session.
47% of students were rising fourth graders.
100% of parents surveyed said the program helped their child feel more confident reading.
What Manchester Parents Say
“My child gained a bit more patience.”
“My son is now sounding out words and able to identify objects.”
“I like that they did more than reading.”
A Window Into READy for the Grade 2024
• Manchester •
Manchester RfG begins the day with a group reading of The Proudest Blue. Written by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad, this vibrantly illustrated story depicts two sisters on one’s first day wearing hijab.
As the teacher reads, students demonstrate comprehension by answering questions about words and actions in the book and exploring how the main characters feel as the story progresses. The book opens avenues for conversation about cultural traditions and dress. Children fully engage in the discussion about the importance of understanding one another and being kind rather than mean.
After the group reading session, the children break into small groups to play learning games.
At one station, younger students play Sight Word Salad Bar, then switch to a game of SPLAT, which can be played by matching letters or words.
The younger children play SPLAT with letters. The older children play Sight Word SPLAT, followed by Hangman using phrases and challenging words.
The session winds down with an old-fashioned game of musical chairs both students and staff enjoy. Every child goes home with books and a prize.
A Window Into READy for the Grade 2024
• Manchester •
Manchester RfG begins the day with a group reading of The Proudest Blue. Written by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad, this vibrantly illustrated story depicts two sisters on one’s first day wearing hijab.
As the teacher reads, students demonstrate comprehension by answering questions about words and actions in the book and exploring how the main characters feel as the story progresses. The book opens avenues for conversation about cultural traditions and dress. Children fully engage in the discussion about the importance of understanding one another and being kind rather than mean.
After the group reading session, the children break into small groups to play learning games.
At one station, younger students play Sight Word Salad Bar, then switch to a game of SPLAT, which can be played by matching letters or words.
The younger children play SPLAT with letters.
The older children play Sight Word SPLAT, followed by Hangman using phrases and challenging words.
The session winds down with an old-fashioned game of musical chairs both students and staff enjoy. Every child goes home with books and a prize.
For details, read the independent evaluation of READy for the Grade.
All Kids Need to Read
READy for the Grade serves a diverse population, with programs in rural, suburban, and urban communities.
The challenges of living and learning with low income vary by setting. Click the site name for details.
Killingly
Manchester
New Haven
Hamden
Rockville
Willimantic
Questions?
Location: 195 Church Street, 7th Floor
New Haven, Connecticut 06510
Telephone: (203) 859.6600
Email: ljordan@newalliancefoundation.org
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