ByKids4Kidsv (www.bykids4kids.us) will facilitate a remote learning reading buddy series. The program is a reading-buddy style program which implements Kindle technology to bring a wide array of books to a multitude of children and enable communication, in an environmentally conscious (and fun!) way.

GOALS

1. To maintain school aged students literacy levels in Washtenaw County while school is closed.
2. To encourage diverse peer relationships during this time of social distancing.
3. To engage young readers through storytelling with a peer using an electronic device that allows easy access to multiple forms and levels of text.
4. To emotionally support each other through these difficult times

   Youth will be paired with a Virtual Buddy in our Community. The Virtual buddies will choose a book to read from their Kindles. The pair will be selected according to age (younger with older) and schedule. The Virtual Buddies will read their selected book during the week and meet once a week for 30 minutes on Zoom to discuss the book. Our focus is on strengthening community bonds to emphasize that we are all in this together . Depending on the age range it will involve partner reading, tutoring, and social-emotional growth. To make sure everyone has the access to a variety of books we’ll be distributing Kindles to those who are interested in the program. The program will run for 10 weeks with a two week boarding period prior to inception of program

   We are looking for interested youth participants to facilitate the program and/or be a buddy. Age Preference (12-college age).