Covington’s Early Literacy Initiative: Fostering a Love for Reading in Young Learners
In Covington, Kentucky, a unique and inspiring approach to early literacy is having an impact across the school district. The Read Ready Covington initiative, a hybrid program supported by both city government and nonprofits, is creating a lasting impact on young readers and their families. This comprehensive literacy program combines interactive activities, digital resources, and community engagement to inspire a love for reading among Covington’s youngest learners.
Engaging Early Readers through Technology and Community Involvement
At the heart of Read Ready Covington is the Footsteps2Brilliance literacy software, an innovative digital tool aligned with literacy standards for PreK through 3rd grade. This app allows students to explore reading through interactive stories, games, songs, and lessons that cater to young readers’ unique learning styles. Teachers can assign lessons aligned with their curriculum, which simplifies planning while giving students engaging, interactive experiences.
My child feels proud when he earns a trophy on Footsteps2Brilliance, and it’s helped him take ownership and responsibility.
-Covington, KY parent
Feedback from parents highlights the importance of this approach. One parent shared, “My child feels proud when he earns a trophy on Footsteps2Brilliance, and it’s helped him take ownership and responsibility.” Another parent shared her appreciation for the program’s potential to enhance early literacy, noting how it allows her child to hear different stories and enjoy educational activities on a daily basis.
Building Community Through Interactive Literacy Programs
Beyond digital learning, Read Ready Covington offers hands-on experiences like the A-Z Interactive Walking Tours, a community-based activity where children and families can explore neighborhood “word walks.” In these tours, participants hunt for word signs throughout their neighborhood, mark them in a “passport” booklet, and earn a prize upon completing the challenge. The latest addition to this initiative, launched in June, took place in the Monte Casino neighborhood, bringing families together for a shared mission of discovery.
Angela Duncan, a Monte Casino resident, helped bring this tour to life. She noticed the power of this activity during the pandemic, seeing her children enjoy finding signs and drawing their own interpretations of the words. “This gives us something to do together and helps the younger kids learn their words,” she shared, highlighting how the tour encourages learning and community bonding.
Supporting Teachers and Schools with Tailored Literacy Resources
Covington’s literacy initiative is designed with teachers and classrooms in mind. Read Ready Covington supports educators by aligning Footsteps2Brilliance lessons with the ELA curriculum and providing additional resources for activities, such as the Mayor’s Holiday Reading Challenge. This program motivates students to read during the holiday season through assigned lessons and rewards. Many teachers praised the Mayor’s Challenge for giving students a structured activity they enjoy, while some suggested expanding resources and offering flexibility to fit into busy classroom schedules.
As Mary Kay Connolly, Director of Read Ready Covington, explained, “Relationship building is the biggest outcome of Read Ready Covington. From family engagement, to school engagement, to community engagement—relationship building is vital.” The program’s Champions Committee unites educators, community leaders, and families in a call to action to support Covington’s literacy goals.
Advice for Other Communities: Creating a Collaborative Literacy Vision
Mary Kay shared insights on creating similar literacy programs, emphasizing the importance of community-wide support. Key strategies include integrating digital tools into a broader community vision, securing buy-in from educators, and fostering collaboration with local organizations.
By bringing together families, teachers, and community champions, Read Ready Covington has created a literacy movement that positively impacts young learners.Together, these efforts showcase the profound impact of community-driven literacy programs. Read Ready Covington has not only strengthened young learners’ literacy skills but also fostered a lifelong love for reading and deeper community connections. This initiative stands as a powerful model for how collaboration can transform early literacy in any community.
