Local Reading Specialist Launches Program to
Improve Kids’ Literacy Skills
TheJournalNJ.com | OCTOBER 2020 37
COVID-19 has created an environment of educational uncertainty for
many parents, teachers, students and administrators. One local woman
had the vision to offer a supplemental curriculum that supports the
efforts of area school districts and teachers. Established as a LLC in 2015,
and launched last month, I Read All Day is the vision of Colleen O’Neil, a
The original concept was to use technology to bridge the literacy gap
between students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. At the time, online
and virtual instruction zoomed into every living room in the country. The
concept for I Read All Day had to shift. Children needed more in-person
peers. The idea of Backyard Literacy was launched and starting in early
-
ucators, both retired and active, to begin classes on a variety of topics. A
total of eight hours of instruction is spread out over multiple weeks at the
discretion of pod parents. CDC recommendations are followed, and the
idea is to meet the needs of families and students on their own terms.
Students enjoy the social interaction that being with their friends
delivers, while receiving grade level literacy instruction designed to
strengthen their literacy skills. Parents get peace of mind knowing teachers
are instructing their children at an appropriate level, based on their
child’s abilities.
Retired teachers
are available to
instruct during
the school day.
Active teachers
are available only
after their contractually
scheduled
school hours, or in
the evenings and
some weekends.
Parents can rotate hosting duties or opt to remain at the same location
throughout the duration of the sessions. I Read All Day is fully insured,
and all teachers are vetted.
I Read All Day is initially concentrating on serving the following
Monmouth County communities: Middletown, Red Bank, Holmdel,
Rumson and Fair Haven. Plans to expand into neighboring towns are
under consideration depending on the initial demand. I Read All Day
remains focused on bridging the literacy gap for all students. With that
in mind, the company is exploring grants that would expand the program
so it’s available for families regardless of socioeconomic status.
/TheJournalNJ.com