Family Literacy

The Family Literacy Program at St. Paul's Episcopal Church brings together children and their families for 10 weeks of intensive study in reading, writing, speaking and the social arts. The program is free to any child in the Kansas City area in 1st through 6th grade. The goal is to help all children to become good readers, good writers, and good speakers, and to become motivated, knowledgeable, and successful. Another purpose is cultural understanding.

The Family Literacy Program meets one evening a week at St. Paul's for ten weeks. We have sessions each winter and fall.

Six highly trained teachers, aided by church and community volunteers, lead the program. Children are divided into three groups based on their reading levels-beginning, intermediate, and advanced.

We gather at 5:30 p.m. each week for a light supper, which is provided free, and for social time. During social time, children, families, teachers, and volunteers get to know each other and begin to form the community that is at the heart of our program.

From 6 to 7 p.m. children and adults are engaged in High Skills Learning. The children are introduced to a familiar Disney story through film and a book. Children, aided by their families, teachers, and volunteers, use the accompanying Student Book to learn phonics, spelling, vocabulary, writing, and fluent reading.

From 7 to 8 p.m., the children are engaged in High Social Learning. Children and adults in each reading group work together to produce a six-part video version of the story, with sets, costumes, and a drama written by each group. We celebrate the success of the Family Literacy Program by showing the three videos at a grand Film Festival and party for the entire community.

When is the Family Literacy Program?

We have two (10-week) programs every year, one in the winter and one in the fall.

How do families sign up?

That's easy. Families can come to St. Paul's for the first meeting of the session.

What time does the Family Literacy Program start?

We have a light supper and social time at 5:30 p.m. each week. We work on literacy skills from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where does the Family Literacy Program meet?

The Family Literacy Program meets at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. We're at 40th and Main in midtown. It's easy to get to by car and we're also on two major bus lines: No. 56 (Country Club) and No. 57 (South Oak). Both lines connect with major east-west bus routes. You'll find a map on the other side of this flyer.

How much does the program cost?

Nothing! St. Paul's believes that literacy is an important skill for everyone in our community, so it's part of our outreach ministry.

What do families need to bring?

Every child must come with an adult from the family, but families don't need to bring any supplies. Children get to take home a story book and Student Book.