There is only one childhood. We help children embrace every moment of it.

Relate

where our characters come to life

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Join our Diverse Voices Book Club, a dynamic literary adventure tailored for children aged 5 to 12! Our mission is to enhance confidence, literacy skills, and a love for community by exploring carefully selected books that illuminate critical issues prevalent in black poverty communities. By nurturing inclusivity and understanding of disabilities and illnesses, we aim to create a compassionate and knowledgeable generation. We enrich young minds by delving into the life and legacy of eminent black authors such as Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, while immersing ourselves in local events and festivals to learn about Macon’s rich history and culture.

READING ENRICHMENT (Book Club) FAQ

Our mobile book club operates from 9 am to 12 pm and is dedicated to nurturing the fundamental skill of Phonemic Awareness, while also placing a strong focus on social and emotional learning.

In this immersive program, children will explore a diverse range of books that mirror their own experiences and identities, fostering a sense of connection. We delve into the works of renowned authors like Maya Angelou, pivotal figures such as Ruby Bridges, and thought-provoking self-improvement tales like Aesop’s Fables.

This enriching program is extended to all at no cost, thanks to the generous support of our community. As an added treat, children will also be provided with a nutritious lunch during the session.

Families are encouraged to join our email list to stay updated on upcoming meetup details. To ensure smooth participation, please remember that each child should complete their registration at least 24 hours in advance. We want to emphasize that registration is entirely free.

Additionally, you can find the event dates posted on our website and Facebook page. For real-time updates and to stay well-informed, consider following our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/elitemacon. You can email “newsletter” to support@ufgoc.org to have updates sent to your email. 

Yes, Parents are invited to stay and engage with their child, however, it is not mandatory. 

Phonemic Awareness is a critical pre-reading skill that involves the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken language. It encompasses understanding that words are made up of smaller sound units and is a fundamental precursor to reading and writing proficiency. Here’s why it’s important:

  1. Reading Readiness: Phonemic awareness is a foundational skill that children need to develop before they can learn to read. It helps them understand the connection between sounds and letters, which is essential for decoding words.

  2. Improved Reading Skills: Children who develop strong phonemic awareness are better equipped to become confident readers. They can sound out words more effectively, leading to improved reading comprehension.

  3. Spelling and Writing: Phonemic awareness also plays a significant role in spelling and writing. When children can break words into individual sounds, they are better at spelling and can write more fluently.

  4. Language Development: Phonemic awareness isn’t just about reading; it also aids in overall language development. It enhances a child’s ability to communicate and understand spoken language.

  5. Boosted Confidence: As children grasp the relationship between sounds and words, they become more confident in their reading and literacy skills. This confidence can positively impact their academic performance and love for reading.

In summary, phonemic awareness is a crucial building block for literacy, and nurturing it at an early age can have a profound impact on a child’s future success in reading and writing. Programs like the traveling book club that focus on phonemic awareness provide valuable opportunities for children to develop this skill in a fun and interactive way.

REGISTRATION

Our Fall Camp is scheduled from October 9th to 13th, where we’ll be immersing ourselves in the great outdoors with a camping theme. The registration deadline for this camp is September 30th, 2023.

Our Reading Enrichment and Afterschool Program welcomes eager learners year-round, with openings available as spots become vacant.

You can register your child here.