Free literacy resources, like short videos and simple activities, for young children are now available to families in Hamilton County through ReadyRosie, an early education online program, thanks to the Tennessee Department of Education and the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation.
The partnership between the district and ReadyRosie gives all families with school-aged children access to reading videos that feature real families demonstrating instructional activities that parents can replicate with their children, according to a press release.
The short, two-minute videos provide lessons on literacy, early math, health and well-being.
The program is one of many efforts to increase early childhood literacy rates across the state as well as combat the academic gaps children are facing after schools closed this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
"As we continue to navigate these challenging times, we are excited to provide all Tennessee families with access to this incredible platform to help them create rich learning experiences at home," said Penny Schwinn, Tennessee Education Commissioner, in a statement. "The ReadyRosie platform is another resource from the state to help families engage with their children during this time by doing simple, instructional activities at home while promoting learning and bonding with their children."
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Improving early literacy rates is a specific focus of Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Bryan Johnson and his team as only about one third of third graders in Hamilton County can read on grade-level.
"Early literacy is a focus for Hamilton County Schools, and it is the key to student success throughout a child's school experience," Johnson said in a statement. "Parents and children having fun and learning together with ReadyRosie this summer will move the district closer to our goals in our five-year plan Future Ready 2023 of children on-track in English and language arts."
Hamilton County families with students in grades kindergarten through second should have received an invitation to the platform on May 1. The ReadyRosie program is available to families through Sept. 1, 2020.
For more information or to sign up for free, visit readyrosie.com/tn.
Contact Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.