DECEMBER, 2021 For some, this year has been a 2020 redux, with continued isolation and confusion surrounding guidelines for social interaction and general unease about the future. Our hearts go out to all who are struggling; Covid and the resulting shift did not affect us all equally. We recognize that we have been fortunate to continue on with our work using online platforms of communication. Not everyone has been so lucky.
READING, THE BRAIN, AND OUR MISSION
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free ~ Frederick Douglas
The journey from early language acquisition to reading and comprehension is a journey that happens in the brain. You probably aren’t aware of the processes taking place right now as you read this, because – luckily for you – reading has become automatic.
This isn’t something you were born with, however; you were taught through years of practice and instruction. At FluentSeeds, our research-backed model includes teaching the proven five essential components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Our team has a wealth of experience and knowledge in how to train other adults to help children learn these essentials.
We are passionate about our mission: that EVERY child can read fluently by third grade. Right now our programs are reaching children in 12 states, but our goal is to expand even further, to ensure we help fulfill every child’s civil right to read. Supporting FluentSeeds with a donation is one way to help us accomplish that mission.
FluentSeeds is fortunate to have incredible people working with us to fulfill our mission. Tempestt Gilmore tells us a little about her journey from Macalester College, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to her current role as one of our Program Specialists.
Tempestt Gilmore, December 2021
THANK YOU The holiday season and the end of the year is upon us, and for many it is a time of reflection. We recognize how lucky we are to have the ability to work in our chosen field, to have the freedom to participate in society and cultural activities, to interact with other people and with nature; these things are not to be taken for granted. We are grateful for these gifts and grateful for your continued support and encouragement.
YOUR SUPPORT When you support FluentSeeds with a donation, you are providing community leaders, teachers, and parents access to the Seeds of Learning set of frameworks. These tools have been proven time and again to prepare children for kindergarten with the necessary skills to become readers and reach their full potential.
