Learning Resources for The Constituents Of Rhode Island
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Samson Paulotti
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Published on 12/30/2008
The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) is a free, first-step family literacy program both adults and their children based at public libraries throughout the state.
The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) is a free, first-step family literacy program both adults and their children based at public libraries throughout the state. The RIFLI offers English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship preparation and computer instruction as well as children's programming, student's resources support and links to library resources and services.
The program aims to provide learner-centered literacy programming for Rhode Island families facing social, economic, and educational barriers because of limited English language skills. The RIFLI values the diverse cultures of participating families and seeks to establish a positive basis for continued educational growth. This learning resource brings family members together in a first-step program as co-learners in a library setting and links them to other community services. The program started as a direct response to the needs of the growing immigrant community in Rhode Island. The RIFLI has a number of participating library systems which include Cranston Public Library, East Providence Public Library, Pawtucket Public Library and Providence Public Library.
The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative keeps on finding resources to sustain the program. The program staff consists of a Lead teacher, a Children Teacher, and trained volunteers. Children, ages 3-10, fall under the supervision of the Children's Teacher and participate mostly in activities and games that build their language skills and literacy and often correspond to the adult learners themes. Children and adults often work together on a family-centered take-home literacy activity. Family and group activities are based on understanding and sharing of cultures, intergenerational and community learning, confidence building, reinforced learning material, and the transfer of learning to the home environment.
Family lessons include literacy-based activities and experiential learning opportunities such as crafts, field trips, and interaction with special guest speakers. Helping parents and children view themselves as partners in learning has served to better equip them to integrate the many aspects of their reality - two languages, two cultures, a past and a future. With this method, restoration of values is possible.
Children's teachers guide the children in their activities to build a love of reading and lifelong learning. Preschoolers are guided in school readiness skills while school-aged children are involved in activities that support and enrich the school curriculum with the use of children's literature some other literacy-related resources. Children participants ages 10 and up are encouraged to assist the younger school-aged children with homework and other activities. Learning through play is also a cornerstone of the children's programming.
At the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI), technology is not an "add-on," but serves as an essential component of the literacy program. The RIFLI uses technology to motivate learners into the programs, engage them, and motivate them to continue their learning journeys. Technology has been a valuable tool for the RIFLI to find new resources for the program. Technology use and instruction are closely linked to the ESL curriculum to ensure that students will reach their educational and professional goals. Students have hands-on, meaningful experiences as they learn practical applications of the new technology.
The students participate in some tasks online, such as applying for jobs, finding driving directions, and searching the library's online catalog. They create brochures and spreadsheets connected to potential business ventures, take digital photos, and insert them into PowerPoint presentations that document experiences outside the classroom, and write about their daily lives in class blogs.
With the programs of the RIFLI, restoration of values, adaptation of new technologies and continuation of learning is made possible for immigrant families in the state of Rhode Island.
The program aims to provide learner-centered literacy programming for Rhode Island families facing social, economic, and educational barriers because of limited English language skills. The RIFLI values the diverse cultures of participating families and seeks to establish a positive basis for continued educational growth. This learning resource brings family members together in a first-step program as co-learners in a library setting and links them to other community services. The program started as a direct response to the needs of the growing immigrant community in Rhode Island. The RIFLI has a number of participating library systems which include Cranston Public Library, East Providence Public Library, Pawtucket Public Library and Providence Public Library.
The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative keeps on finding resources to sustain the program. The program staff consists of a Lead teacher, a Children Teacher, and trained volunteers. Children, ages 3-10, fall under the supervision of the Children's Teacher and participate mostly in activities and games that build their language skills and literacy and often correspond to the adult learners themes. Children and adults often work together on a family-centered take-home literacy activity. Family and group activities are based on understanding and sharing of cultures, intergenerational and community learning, confidence building, reinforced learning material, and the transfer of learning to the home environment.
Family lessons include literacy-based activities and experiential learning opportunities such as crafts, field trips, and interaction with special guest speakers. Helping parents and children view themselves as partners in learning has served to better equip them to integrate the many aspects of their reality - two languages, two cultures, a past and a future. With this method, restoration of values is possible.
Children's teachers guide the children in their activities to build a love of reading and lifelong learning. Preschoolers are guided in school readiness skills while school-aged children are involved in activities that support and enrich the school curriculum with the use of children's literature some other literacy-related resources. Children participants ages 10 and up are encouraged to assist the younger school-aged children with homework and other activities. Learning through play is also a cornerstone of the children's programming.
At the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI), technology is not an "add-on," but serves as an essential component of the literacy program. The RIFLI uses technology to motivate learners into the programs, engage them, and motivate them to continue their learning journeys. Technology has been a valuable tool for the RIFLI to find new resources for the program. Technology use and instruction are closely linked to the ESL curriculum to ensure that students will reach their educational and professional goals. Students have hands-on, meaningful experiences as they learn practical applications of the new technology.
The students participate in some tasks online, such as applying for jobs, finding driving directions, and searching the library's online catalog. They create brochures and spreadsheets connected to potential business ventures, take digital photos, and insert them into PowerPoint presentations that document experiences outside the classroom, and write about their daily lives in class blogs.
With the programs of the RIFLI, restoration of values, adaptation of new technologies and continuation of learning is made possible for immigrant families in the state of Rhode Island.