EP 14: Cultivating Literacy: How Book Buddies Transforms Literacy in Syracuse with Laurie Black

EP 14: Cultivating Literacy: How Book Buddies Transforms Literacy in Syracuse with Laurie Black Summary In this inspiring episode of Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow, host Jose Miguel Longo welcomes Laurie Black, the Community Education Director at the United Way and the visionary behind the Book Buddies program. Together, they delve into the transformative power of this local initiative that pairs community volunteers with students in Syracuse City Schools to enhance early literacy skills. Laurie shares the origins of Book Buddies, which began in 2014 as a response to the literacy crisis affecting local students. With a mission to support children in kindergarten through third grade, the program has grown exponentially, currently serving around 600 students across six schools. Lori emphasizes the importance of community involvement and the critical role that volunteers play in providing consistent literacy practice that complements classroom instruction. Listeners will gain insights into the program's evolution, including its alignment with the science of reading and the implementation of best practices in tutoring. Lori discusses the significance of fostering a supportive environment for young readers, highlighting how parents and caregivers can engage in their children's literacy journey at home. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how community initiatives like Book Buddies can make a lasting impact on children's literacy development and overall success in school. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Literacy Launchpad 01:30 Introduction of Laurie Black, Community Education Director at United Way 04:00 Overview of the Book Buddies program and its mission 12:00 The history and growth of Book Buddies since 2014 20:00 The importance of community volunteers in literacy support 28:00 Aligning with the science of reading and best practices 35:00 Strategies for parents to support literacy at home 42:00 The impact of Book Buddies on student outcomes 50:00 How to get involved as a volunteer Thank you for tuning in! Remember to subscribe and share this episode with anyone who can benefit from the knowledge and resources discussed. Together, let's continue to read, learn, and grow! About Our Guest Laurie Black is the Community Education Director at the United Way, where she oversees education initiatives, including the Book Buddies program. With a passion for improving literacy outcomes for children in Syracuse, Lori has dedicated her career to creating impactful community partnerships that support local students. Connect with Us: Facebook: Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County & Literacy Launchpad Facebook Page Instagram: @literacy_launchpad_podcast LinkedIn: Literacy Launchpad: Read, Learn, Grow TikTok: @literacylaunchpad Pinterest: @literacylaunchpad Website: onliteracy.org **This podcast is sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County** #literacy #LiteracyLaunchpad #read #learn #grow #syracuse #CNY #onondagacounty #literacycoalition #podcast #education #children #adults #parents #caregivers