October 4, 2023 | From City of New Orleans
City, New Orleans Public Library and Louisiana Children’s Museum Announce the Return of NOLA Readers 2.0
NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans this week announced the return of the NOLA Readers 2.0 program, an initiative that offers second grade students engaging literacy and literature experiences. The Mayor's Office of Youth and Families (OYF) in partnership with the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) and the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) developed this program to provide free activities, such as field trips to the museum and the Main Library.
“Early-literacy support is essential for the continued improvement of all students, and the NOLA Readers 2.0 initiative is a testament to the critical partnerships necessary to lay the foundation for educational readiness and improved academic experiences," said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Research has shown that language-rich early learning experiences are linked to academic achievement, reduced grade retention, higher graduation rates and enhanced productivity in adult life. This program will ensure that our youth are afforded high-quality education in becoming life-long learners and community leaders. I am looking forward to the growth of this collaborative partnership for a second year."
Participants for this year's program will also receive a copy of the I am Every Good Thing book written by Derrick Barnes. The field trip consists of a variety of activities centered around themes in the book, which features a series of affirmations that Barnes wrote with his sons in mind. Teachers will also receive learning materials designed by educators from the museum and library.
Last year, 701 participants from eight schools, including students, teachers and chaperones, joined the program. NOLA Readers 2.0 plans to expand to include additional second grader students for the 2023-2024 school year.
“The positive effects we saw at the library during the pilot provided, without a doubt, that NOLA Readers 2.0 works, and we could not be happier to continue our partnership with LCM and OYF," said NOPL Executive Director and City Librarian Emily Painton. "There’s no better way to get children interested in reading than by introducing them to the powerful and uplifting messages that books contain."
“We are thrilled to offer Nola Readers 2.0 again this year," LCM Chief Learning Officer Dr. Shannon Blady. "A lifelong love of reading starts with positive early literacy experiences, and Nola Readers 2.0 is just that! Our successful pilot taught us a lot about what our kids and teachers want and need, and we have built this second year with all that feedback in mind."
“Improving education for our kids is a recipe for improving New Orleans," said Councilmember Joseph Giarrusso, III. "Educational opportunities, particularly for young children, are the building blocks to creating a thriving community. If we invest in our children with a love for literacy and reading, their educational, personal and professional opportunities blossom. I’m glad to lend support to the NOLA Readers 2.0 program."
“I am glad the NOLA Readers 2.0 program has been implemented again," said Orleans Parish Educator Kelly Griffin. "The NOLA Readers 2.0 program fosters a love of reading. Many of our students don’t understand that reading can be fun, and I’m grateful for this program because it can help kids love reading again."
Second grade teachers and school administrators interested in signing up for this initiative should contact Dr. Shannon Blady at sblady@lcm.org.
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