In the AfterSchool KidzLit® program, leaders use powerful literature and activities to increase children’s enjoyment of reading, build their vocabulary, deepen their thinking, and foster their ability to work with others.
The program uses a five-part process to build and develop:
Literacy skills
Children listen to read-aloud selections and develop literacy skills by:
- Learning to use new words
- Identifying and discussing big ideas
- Making predictions about text
Written expression
Children Express their ideas by:
- Keeping journals
- Drawing pictures and talking before writing
- Recording their ideas
Core values
Children's books and activities develop and deepen core values, including:
- Helpfulness
- Fairness
- Personal responsibility
- Perseverance
- Self-respect
- Respect for others
Connections
Children explore big ideas in the books and make connections between the stories and their lives in a variety of ways, including:
- Speaking
- Writing
- Drawing
- Pantomime
- Role-playing
- Puppetry
- Drama
- Music
Thinking skills
Leaders use a variety of strategies to stimulate ideas and collaboration, including:
- Brainstorming
- Visualizations
- Group charts
- Mind maps
- Partner readings
- Buddy chats