Literature is beautiful language, and who among us does not want children to get the beauty of their tongue at its best


	What people are saying about us?
	Our 7 year old son Kai starting attending the Raising Readers’ after school reading club “just for boys” early in the fall. Many of his pals from school were there too so it was an easy sell. Michelle makes reading and the world of books so fun and engaging. One of the key elements of her success, I think, it that she makes space for, and in fact embraces their wild boy energy. Because Kai could be himself and could explore the stories and the books in such an active way, we have seen a big difference in his reading at home. Now he always has a book on the go and especially loves to read before bed. I think he has learned that this quiet time can be full of great adventures and that reading can be a real source of entertainment and pleasure. I also believe he feels empowered by his ability to do this for himself now.
	Kate Sigurdson, Toronto.


	Our daughter Clare has been attending Raising Readers for 6 months. She will be turning 4 in couple of weeks. We discovered Raising Readers through friends. Michelle has and continues to do an amazing work with the children. She has a lending library that has benefited our daughter’s imagination as she is able to take books home with her. One very noticeable difference since Clare has been attending Raising Readers is her recognition of letters and words. Clare will often called out letters and words when driving in the car. I credit that to Raising Readers. Michelle will read books on a particular subject i.e. Rockets and then they will make rockets out of materials supplied, again making positive connections. With little programs centering on literacy we can’t stress enough how important this program is to our community. Keep up the great work Michelle. We look forward to continuing success as we approach the New Year.
	Jackie, Mary & Clare Evered – Armet, Toronto.


	Thank you so much for the wonderful programs you've offered for my three boys! The weekly classes, the summer programs, and the specialty workshops are all exceptional. I can't tell you how much my guys look forward to your Thursday classes. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledgeable, creative - yet fun approach to literacy with them.
	Petra Jory, mother of three boys aged seven, five, and three, Toronto.


	Raising Readers had been both a joy and a blessing for myself and my toddler. We started with the drop-in when my son was 18 months old and have been participating ever since. One of my biggest passions as a parent has been to instill a love of reading for my children at a young age. Raising Readers has been the ideal vehicle for fostering a positive connection to books, storytelling, rhymes and participatory songs. My son looks forward to seeing Michelle every week and responds to her gentle and kind mannerism, borrowing books or sometimes just having a good romp in the dress-up trunk. As for me, it is always nice to interact with other parents and their children in a creative, co-operative and inspiring environment. Keep up the excellent work!
	Joanne Churchill, Toronto.


	I started reading to my daughter, Shea, since day one but was getting frustrating as she got older and more interested in chewing the books than listening to the story. With Michelle's encouragement and support and our weekly visits to Raising Readers I was able to make it through "soggy reading". At 19 months, Shea loves her books and listening to the stories too!!! For me it is our special time together; we cuddle and I have her undivided attention. Thanks Michelle,
	Angel Riccio, Toronto.


	Raising Readers is a warm and intimate environment where children can interact informally and at their own speed with many wonderful books for all ages and interests. I highly recommend it.
	Kate Hemblen (mother of 2 year old) Toronto


	My 15 month old daughter and I appreciate the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of Raising Readers and the rich variety of activities that we can partake in there. This is an especially good rainy day afternoon activity for us since Ontario Early Years drop-in centers are only open in the morning, which conflicts with my daughter's precious nap time.
	Krista Muller, Toronto.


	Raising Readers provides both a delightful setting and extensive resources in which to share my love of books with my little son, Max.
	Sherry Chafe, Toronto.


	I feel very fortunate that Raising Readers was recommended to our family; my son is 7 and daughter 5. I’m continually attentive to different ways of motivation and stimulation for children through different mediums and Raising Readers has given them this through the love of stories, friendships and fun. Michelle is fantastic with them and they look forward with great enthusiasm to be with her every week.
	Lisa Kitagawa, Parent, Toronto , Ontario.


	Initially, I signed my daughter up for the literacy club at her public school held by Raising Readers to improve her English reading skills as she was starting grade 2 in French Immersion where English is not taught until grade 4. My daughter LOVED the group and was always enthusiastically greeted - even on days she was NO T booked to attend! Since then, my daughter has fallen behind the reading level expected for her grade level in French and is struggling to catch up. Raising Readers has allowed her to see past the frustration of "not being as good as the other kids" and maintain a love of books and reading. It is a pressure free environment for her to express herself through stories, poetry and dramatic arts. Even though she continues to work hard to get "caught up" to the level she needs to be at, participating with Raising Readers has allowed her to develop a love of books. She will get where she needs to be and we see her stumbling blocks not as an issue, just another part of what makes her unique. My daughter has worked very hard and is making great progress in the quest for literacy. I am grateful this organization exists to help kids in need or just a place for kids who already love books and reading to continue to explore and learn.
	Karen Richards, Toronto.


	My daughter has been interested for a while in a special club her friend goes to where they tell stories. When I asked her what it was called she replied: "Raisin Weiners" I FINALLY made the connection and I laughed so hard…..she meant Raising Readers!
	Alex Hood, Toronto.


	Just a quick note to tell you how much Olivia enjoyed the Literacy Club at Withrow PS this year. She really looked forward to the weekly club meetings and enjoyed the stories, games and activities related to each book the group read. She can’t wait to go back next year! As parents, we appreciated how thoughtfully designed the program was: through storytelling, art, drama and dance it engaged the children on so many levels. In addition to improved reading skills, Olivia’s confidence has sky-rocketed this year. It’s a delight to hear her say “I can do it! I can read.” We believe that the program is helping the kids at our school to develop a love of learning and creating a new academic sub-culture—it’s cool to be smart!
	Leah Macpherson,Toronto



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What people are saying about us?