The S.M.A.R.T. FAMILY LITERACY PROJECT in Galveston recruits and trains volunteers who read with children and families in schools, shelters and at community-wide literacy fairs. The project purchases new books for volunteers to give to the children involved in the project. The most popular format for the project is the S.M.A.R.T. Party, at which children and parents read stories aloud to each other using karaoke microphones and simple props. Hands-on science and math activities are combined with classic party touches like balloons and bubbles to create a fun and motivating approach to the serious problem of illiteracy. Parents, teens and other S.M.A.R.T. Volunteers involved with the literacy program learn how to read effectively with children and families as part of the project.

What is S.M.A.R.T.?

"SCIENCE, MATH AND READER'S THEATRE" = S.M.A.R.T

WHAT IS A FAMILY LITERACY PROJECT?

ADULT LITERACY, CHILDREN'S LITERACY, INTERGENERATIONAL LITERACY

Complete family literacy includes three components:

1. Adults reading
   
2. Children reading
   
3. Adults and children reading together
   

The S.M.A.R.T. FAMILY LITERACY PROJECT began as a grass roots program in GALVESTON, TEXAS. In Galveston, we have about 25 highly active volunteers who visit schools and shelters multiple times each year. S.M.A.R.T. has trained hundreds more who have volunteered at least once. We have given THOUSANDS OF BOOKS to children at Odyssey Academy, L.A. Morgan Elementary, Rosenberg Elementary, Parker Elementary, the Family Crisis Center, the Jesse Tree, St. Vincent's Episcopal House Pre-School, as well as many other locations. Our focus is currently on families with children ages three through grade three. We are growing and will expand our numbers of volunteers and schools visited during 2008.

Contact papergiant@smartfamilyliteracy.org if you would like to:

• make a donation
  
• volunteer to read in schools or shelters, or
  
• arrange a visit to a pre-school, school or other community location in Galveston or Galveston County.