Lakota's Informal Literacy Initiatives

Children can be introduced to a love of reading almost anywhere - at school, at home, even in unexpected places such as a barber shop or laundromat. Below is information about our informal literacy initiatives, all with the focus of instilling a love of reading in our students. For more information about these programs and how you can support them, either with your time or your donation, contact Leah Aguilar at leah.aguilar@lakotaonline.com.

Fellas & Fiction

A pretty simple concept is driving a new community reading program at Lakota for boys in grades 1-6: Read a book while you get your hair cut. The long-term goal is to build up a small library of books – both for students to read there on site and take home with them.

"Fellas & Fiction" is part of Lakota’s continuing efforts to promote early literacy. All elementary boys are invited to a West Chester barber shop to receive a free haircut, during which they read a book of their choice to other boys waiting their turn. The haircuts, made possible by private donations, are available at X Quisite Cutz off Kingsgate Way.

Literacy at the Laundromat

Another innovative informal program is ensuring kids have books to read while waiting at the laundromat. This initiative fosters a love of reading in our Lakota youth and encourages parental involvement and support of schoolwork.

There is a “book section” at Splash & Dash Coin Laundry, located at 7770 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester.  Scholastic Books has donated numerous child-friendly books with a wide variety of themes, suitable for all ages. Through this very informal reading program, students can read a book while waiting on a parent/family member. They are even allowed to take the book home with them if they like.

After they are done with the book, the student writes a one-paragraph summary, has their parent/guardian sign the paper, and then bring it to school where they will receive a small prize.

Literacy at the Laundromat Flyer (English)
Literacy at the Laundromat Flyer (Spanish)

Story Time with a Lakota Principal

As part of its ongoing efforts to build community support around early literacy, Lakota's early childhood and elementary principals will take turns hosting “Story Time with a Lakota Principal” this school year.

Each month, Lakota students are invited the Midpointe LIbrary in the Foundry at Liberty Center. From 6 - 7 p.m., students can hear a Lakota principal share one of his or her favorite stories. Students are also encouraged to bring a book to exchange for another book they may take home with them. Click here to view upcoming events.