Brooklyn Public Library, Reading Institute launch borough-wide 'Science of Reading' initiative * Brooklyn Paper

"The Reading Institute and Brooklyn Public Library are teaming up on a new literacy initiative aimed at strengthening early reading skills across the borough. Back by over $300,000 in grant funding from the Hecksher Foundation for Children , the partnership will introduce research-based reading practices to families and librarians in all 62 BPL branches. The Reading Institute is a New York City-based nonprofit recognized for its " evidence-based literacy training and interventions for schools, universities and community organizations." The collaboration with BPL over the next year will involve developing practical tools that caregivers can use at home and providing new professional development opportunities for development staff."

"Central to the effort is the "science of reading," a comprehensive body of research from "psychology, linguistics, neuroscience and education" that outlines how children learn to read. The approach emphasizes structured instruction in "phonemic awareness, phonics fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing." Organizations part of the project will develop sets of activities and letter-picture cards based on The Reading Institute's programming, and its materials will be distributed to families in the borough. Library staff will also be trained in the science of reading, giving them updated understandings on how young people learn to read."

A partnership between The Reading Institute and Brooklyn Public Library will bring research-based reading practices to all 62 BPL branches, backed by more than $300,000 in Heckscher Foundation grant funding. The initiative will produce practical tools for caregivers, develop activity sets and letter-picture cards, and distribute materials to families across the borough. Library staff will receive training in the science of reading, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and writing. The project aims to equip at least 100 librarians with strategies to support early literacy development and model approaches for other city libraries.

Read at Brooklyn Paper