I thought I’d send out a little update from “The Literacy Corner” for today, since I haven’t done one of these since September of last year. Boy, how time sure does fly! So, you’re due for a briefing on how things are going in all the places and spaces where I’m literacy-focused.
Summer Reading Enrichment Program
Now, I don’t want to sound like I’m stuck on repeat mode, but I can’t emphasize enough how incredibly excited I am to open up my fun-filled, interactive summer reading program to elementary and middle school learners during the months of June, July, and into August, if need be. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the program details yet, you can do so over here on my “Tutoring Services” page.
I’m planning to incorporate some out-of-the-box learning fun to support the children in their reading growth efforts.
Those extended lulls in academic activity are the perfect time to insert reading enrichment.
Why?
Because, we don’t want learning loss to creep in and cause our children to regress in the skills they so promisingly developed over the school year. WE WANT THEM TO MOVE FORWARD, NOT DO THE “SUMMER SLIDE” BACKWARDS.
So, I’m proposing that you pass the word to interested parties that I’m here to help. I love reading — am a HUGE FAN — and I want to keep children doing that very thing, because I know how important reading is in their lives now and will be in their futures.
By the way, the “Tutoring Services” page link would be the perfect link to email to family and friends or include in your social media if you’d be so inclined to do so.
And, thanks in advance for being willing to pass the word. This program will be a WIN-WIN-WIN for child, parent/family member of child, and of course, little old me.
Book Reading Challenge
If you read my last update, then you know I did a reading summer challenge for June, July, and August 2024. And, I’m primed to do it again for 2025. Yes, I’m up for the challenge. I’ll be doing a lot of reading with my students this summer, but you know — I have to get my “personal” reading preferences in. It’s that warm and fuzzy reading I’d like to do for me, myself, and I.
More than likely, the reading will be on the non-fiction, self-improvement, and educational side, because there’s just so much I need to learn and grow in. And, reading while learning is incredibly satisfying to me. Plus, the more I learn things, the more I realize I STILL need to learn SO MUCH MORE! I’ll forever be learning. So, my goal is to get it going this summer with my own stash of books for learning.
I don’t know what I’m going to read just yet, but I’ve had a few notable books recommended by some personal and professional development/entrepreneurial YouTubers I follow, so I’ll probably grab some books from those recommendations.
I’ll keep you posted as potential book choices unfold.
The Degrees of Maternity Newsletter
The newsletter is going strong. In its four years, it continues to bring literacy as well as personal and professional development encouragement every fourth Sunday of the month. And, I have a new issue coming up this Sunday the 25th. It’s the piece of content you’re missing that you didn’t know you needed. So, come join the L.I.T. (Life-Improvement Training) News family by clicking on the link below:
Link to Sign Up for the Newsletter
Degrees of Maternity TPT Store
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to frequent this part of my literacy adventures this first half of 2025, namely because of the time I’ve needed to devote to tutoring, grant writing functions, and preparing for the summer reading program.
But, my store is patiently waiting for me, and I appreciate it. It ain’t goin’ anywhere. And, I’ll be over there to visit shortly. As a matter of fact, I should have some summer reading and writing products coming out soon, as part of my preparation items for my students in the summer reading program.
What’s so great about working on connected content areas is that products and services can be shared among the different focus areas a content creator functions within. For example, for the summer reading enrichment program, I’ll be providing a personalized reading planner for each student. Some of the inserts for this planner will actually result in products that I’ll include on my Degrees of Maternity TpT Store.
So, there will be some action on the store site very, very soon.
Grant Writing
I’m continuing to work on the 501(c)(3) pieces for submission to the IRS so that tax exemption status can be awarded to the nonprofit I support. And believe me when I say, there can be a lot of layers to this whole 501(c)(3) application process. The nonprofit I support is a private school; and therefore, there are some extra schedules (or IRS forms) that are required to be completed along with the long 1023 form (instead of the short, or more streamlined 1023).
Let’s just say that grant opportunities get cut down by A LOT! when a nonprofit doesn’t have its 501(c)(3) distinction. So, first things first. Currently, using my writing skills to help the academy get its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, while seeking funding opportunities from grantmakers that don’t require the tax-exempt status to apply for their grants.
There you have it, folks. Update #7. Literacy is happening every day over here, and I’m here for ALL of it! I enjoy having a variety of reading and writing roles in which to serve. Now, I can wholeheartedly say that I’m currently living my best creative life. Whoo hoo!
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