The Bookworms afterschool reading program is a grant funded program that provides reading intervention to children grades PK-2nd in addition to direct parent training at 4 low-income FWISD schools. The program will serve approximately 160 students across the schools served with an emphasis on children who are struggling in reading. Bookworms is similar to a traditional afterschool program in that services are provided at the schools, leaving children in the safety of their campus. Conversely, Bookworms is different in that programming will target children's reading needs with a science of reading approach rather than simply providing homework support and childcare.

 

Bookworms is modeled after our past successful afterschool collaborations with other nonprofits such as Home Farm, Rivertree Academy and The Boys and Girls Club of Tarrant County and collaborations with private non-profit schools (St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, All Saints Catholic School, and St. Rita Catholic School) with similar populations of students.

 

Each Bookworms site is led by a certified educator with experience in reading therapy or special education supported by 3-4 highly trained community volunteers. Current community partners providing volunteers include FWISD, University Christian Church, TCU, Junior League of Fort Worth, National Charity League, Cassata Catholic High School, Area Fort Worth ISD schools and Local Private Schools.

 

High quality literacy materials such as books and manipulatives will be provided to children for use at school and families during parent training for follow up at home.