Boundless Readers 5153 North Clark Street, Suite 206 Chicago, IL 60640 p. 773.989.8582 e. info@boundlessreaders.org
© 2009, 2010 Boundless Readers
The Big Read
As implemented by Boundless Readers and our local partners, The Big Read is focused on engaging parents and families of public school students as well as community members. Last year and this year, we have targeted the Latino community, particularly Chicago public school middle and high school students, their families and teachers. In future years, we plan to expand to other target groups.
Central to our mission and approach to developing children into lifelong readers is the fundamental tenant that their teachers must be passionate, lifelong readers. It is a natural extension of our work, which is backed by extensive research, to also reach out to parents and family members of students to engage them as readers.
Our two primary outreach methods include 1) partnerships with public schools that reach out to families of their students, and 2) partnerships with community organizations that engage communty members in target areas.
The bilingual program includes book group discussions, panel discussions, and stage presentations. Leveraging our professional development expertise, Boundless Readers provides facilitator training for schools and community partners forming book discussion groups.
Nationally, The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest. It is designed to revitalize the role of literature in American culture and bring the transformative power of literature to more people.
