This Cause Connector project supports and promotes student literacy and resilience through book kits for second grade students in Muskingum County. 

The Muskingum County Literacy Council will select relevant books for second grade students that will be used both in and outside of the classroom. These book kits will be used in classroom read aloud sessions, at after-school centers, and during events with partnering community agencies.

The books will cover topics ranging from self-esteem, coping mechanisms, problem-solving, and healthy relationships, to academic success, overall safety, and emotional resilience. Through opportunities to engage students in reading that deals with these topics, the project promotes both literacy and resilience.

With school closures and virtual learning impacting the rigor of education during the pandemic, focusing on improved literacy skills among our elementary students is vitally important. With so many educational metrics focused on 3rd grade reading, providing intensive supports and resources to 2nd grade students to build their reading comprehension and fluency skills is essential. In addition to focusing on literacy skills, this project will also highlight books about subjects essential to building resiliency among the region’s students.