Get Ready for School™ Results for 2019

      Results

The Get Ready for School program was offered in 16 sites across Waterloo Region, and served a total of 318 children. A total of 90 children in the program did not speak English on a regular basis at home, with an additional children children who spoke English as well as a second language at home. The program was supported by 39 paid instructors, and 34 volunteers, who gave approximately 940 hours of volunteer time to the program.

“When I Grow Up, I Want To Teach Children Words”

      Stories

I first heard about Strong Start’s Letters, Sounds and Words program at church. Our pastor was talking about the need for volunteers, to help young children learn to read, at Howard Robertson P.S. After attending the two training sessions, the school’s Site Co-ordinator hosted an orientation session for the newly trained Volunteer Coaches.

Strong Start Has A Strong Future

      Media

Originally published in Quarterly Exchange, May 2019 Issue – Intelligent Philanthropy  Children’s literacy program ready to scale up by Paul Knowles We’ve all heard the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” … Continued

Ten Apples Up On Top!

      Stories

Easton is my handsome, sweet, oldest child with short brown hair, blue eyes and olive complexion. He’s a thoughtful and energetic kid who loves math and hockey. Bed-time story time was a part of our daily routine and I could see him struggling to read on his own; even when we went to the library, he would pick out a book he found interesting but I would have to read a majority of the book to him.

Every child deserves a Strong Start

      Media

Originally published in Hometown St. Thomas Article by Staci Rae Reading is an essential learning tool, one of the fundamental building blocks of a successful school career. Unfortunately, reading doesn’t always come easily to some children, and they … Continued

Get Ready for School™ Results for 2018

      Results

The Get Ready for School program was offered in 16 sites across Waterloo Region, and served a total of 318 children. A total of 90 children in the program did not speak English on a regular basis at home, with an additional children children who spoke English as well as a second language at home. The program was supported by 39 paid instructors, and 34 volunteers, who gave approximately 940 hours of volunteer time to the program.

“Mommy and I took the bus today….”

      Stories

When we moved to Canada (from Budapest) over 3 years ago, it was only supposed to be for a couple of years. Napsi was only 9 months old and at that time, I’d only ever conversed with her in Hungarian. However, after coming to Canada, I began talking to her in English, unaware of the consequences of switching the language would have.

Just One More Child

      Stories

Every child is unique and special. When they are young, they are just like sponges soaking up all the lessons we can teach them. Building a strong foundation for learning really does start from birth. The gift of reading is such a powerful tool.