"READING
IS TOYRIFFIC"
Testimonials • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Reading is Toyrific” is Wood-to-Wonderful’s motivational literacy outreach program which has been providing monthly books and related toys to at-risk, early learners in Reading since 2003. The goals of “Reading is Toyrific” are to motivate at-risk youngsters to read, love books, read at home, and do well in school. Every month of the school year, community volunteers visit six kindergarten classrooms at Riverside ES in the Reading School District to read a book to the class. Following the reading, each child receives his or her own personal copy of the book and a related motivational toy to keep. One hundred fifty (150) kindergarteners are served each month. In addition, 150 first graders at Riverside ES receive a monthly book to keep and also receive Christmas gift bags and other treats throughout the school year. At the end of each school year, participating children have a home library of at least 9 books. Having books at home contributes to the success of children in school.
About "Reading is Toyrific"
- Volunteer readers visit the same classrooms every month so that a bond is developed between readers and children. This further motivates children to read and love books. Readers also serve as much-needed, positive role models for children.
- 90% of participating children are from poverty-level families as determined by their participation in free- or reduced-lunch programs.
- Schools served in past: Amanda Stout, Thomas Ford, 10th & Penn, Northwest, Glenside, 12th & Marion Elementary Schools in the Reading School District. Since 2003, thousands of at-risk children have benefited from “Reading is Toyrific.”
- Volunteers help at monthly sessions to insert bookplates, count books and toys, and help deliver books and toys to schools.
- Support for Wood-to-Wonderful’s “Reading is Toyrific” is greatly appreciated. Help put books and toys into the hands of deserving children by going to the “Donate Now” page.
Dear Wood-to-Wonderful, Reading is Toyrific,
My name is Stephanie, and I wanted to thank you for writing back in such a nice way. I went to North West elementary school for 2-3 years before I transferred to the Wilson School District.
I wanted to let you know how good your program worked for me, I would have not been so good and fluent as I am today without Wood-to-Wonderful. I think the books you selected were a great choice. I especially loved Sammy Salami. It's always good to have a bit of laughter both day and night no matter what age you are. Even though I am 10 years old, I keep the books and toys on my bookshelf. Some of the other books that I kept over the years are: Sweet Briar Goes to School, Sweet Briar Goes to Camp, Little Flower, The Night Before Christmas, and Sammy Salami. These books are so good that I decided to read to my book buddy and my little sister.
I think Wood-to-Wonderful started when I was in first grade, but I heard that teadcher is not at Northwest anymore. I did have Miss Noone in second grade if that helps. Thanks again for the amazing program that you provide for me. It helped me to be a better reader.
From,
Stephanie I Shiloh Hills Elementary I Wilson School District
“Reading is Toyrific” has been a GREAT experience for my kindergarten class. Many of my student do not have any books at home to read with their family, but thanks to Reading is Toyrific they now have many wonderful books to share with their families. I've received such great feedback from families saying that their kids loved getting these books each month. It is always great to have guest readers come in and share their love of reading with my class.
Wood-to-Wonderful books really excited the children this year. The books were colorful and exciting, good titles for first grade. Some took them home to share, some kept them in the classroom. Many it went back and forth or stayed until they got the next one. I found my students reading them more often than other stories in the classroom.
My students love getting the books. They enjoy when the readers come in and read to them. My students love taking the books home to read to their family and younger brothers and sisters. The books really help the Kindergarten students with the importance of reading. The stuffed animals are a big hit and they love the wooden toys. This is a great way to get books in the hands of children at a young age. Thank you for this program and I hope it continues for years to come.
Thank you for all that you have done for our students this year. We appreciate it more than we could say!
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© Wood-to-Wonderful 2016
Wood-to-Wonderful was founded by Louise and Doug Brown in 1987 in the Washington, DC, suburbs and relocated to Reading, PA, in 1997. Wood-to-Wonderful’s original grass roots mission was to make wooden
toys for less fortunate children. To this end, over 150,000 wooden toys have been made and distributed to needy
children over the years. Wood-to-Wonderful is a 501(c)(3) organization
Doug Brown - Director I woodtowonderful@comcast.net
1044 North 8th Street, Reading, PA 19604 I 610.378.8697