Success stories from parents, volunteers, and community members.
Oliver participated in our Letters, Sounds and Words program a few years back and had a wonderful experience. We followed up with his mother, Melanie Lee to see how Oliver is doing with his reading now and how school is going. Here is the continuation of Oliver’s story.
This is the tale of two sisters preparing for school in the Get Ready for School program. Chloe thrived in the program and was always excited to go. She made friends and connections with the teachers. Our other daughter, Georgia, is now in the Get Ready for SchoolTM program at Centerville Chicopee in Kitchener. She is also thriving. Georgia is clapping syllables, saying sounds, and reading books.
In February 2014, I was struck with some hard luck as I had just been laid off from my job and now had to move. I decided to take some time off with my youngest son before he was to attend school that September. Thankfully, someone had recommended attending the local early years centre for various programs for adults while their children attended their own programs in different rooms. Given Easton’s age, he was able to attend the Get Ready for School program while I attended a social group for parents. The program was fantastic!
I am so impressed with the Get Ready for School program offered at Kinbridge Community Association in Cambridge. The staff, the curriculum, and the day-to-day activities have far exceeded my expectations! Zachary went into the program knowing the letter “Z” and is leaving with the ability to identify all of the letters. He can even read simple words.
I just wanted to share some feedback regarding our experience with the Get Ready for School program. Prior to attending, Mateo had limited knowledge of the alphabet. Now, nearly 3 months later, he can identify most letters and accompanying sounds. The books that are sent home serve as great practice and reinforcement. Mateo is excited to identify letters in posters, billboards, pictures, etc.
Reading has always been an important part of our nightly routine. As Easton started Grade 1, his world opened up to learning about how to read, instead of just hearing the books. His frustration grew, as his learning style was different. One day, I received a form from Easton’s class, asking if we were interested in signing him up for the Strong Start program. I was excited at the opportunity!
I volunteered with the Strong Start program through Nipissing University in Brantford. I am in the concurrent education program for the junior/intermediate level and decided that Strong Start training would be good practice for my teaching career.
I have the privilege of being an instructor for the Get Ready for SchoolTM program at two of the Cambridge locations. After being home with my children for quite a while, I decided it was time to head back into the workforce. Strong Start is an incredible organization to work for that offers a wonderful work/life balance.
When we began the Get Ready For School program, it was hard to imagine the end result. I have a very strong willed and rambunctious child who loves to be noisy and silly. I could hardly keep her still or quiet at home and wasn’t confident she would thrive in a controlled, quiet setting.
When my one and only daughter started Junior Kindergarten, I actively tried to stay involved in her school. I spent one day a week volunteering in her classroom and was eager to become more involved. One day, her teacher sent home a form to attend Strong Start Volunteer Coach training and I am so glad she did.
