06/02/2026
This is why we show up. 🙌
A Literations volunteer spent a whole school year with a second grader whose favorite word was no, especially when it came to reading. Throughout the year she went from refusing to read to picking up a book on her own.
"She read the book without a single error, with fluency and great expression. But mostly she read with enormous pride. I saw the light in her eyes that said ‘I can do this, I can read.’"
That moment took a whole school year to get to. And it made the whole year worthwhile.
As we close out another school year, we're grateful for every volunteer, every student, and every breakthrough, big and small.
05/28/2026
At Literations, diversity isn't abstract, it's in the lived reality of our work.
Today our team had the privilege of learning from Carole Copeland Thomas in a session on Creating a Culture of Belonging Across Generations.
Carole guided us through:
- How unconscious assumptions and communication habits affect both older and younger staff
- What "belonging" and psychological safety looks like
- Building trust and consistency in a multigenerational environment
Thank you, Carole, for bringing your wisdom and energy to our team.
05/26/2026
Reading proficiency by age 8 is one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic outcomes we have.
Children who aren't reading at grade level by 3rd grade are significantly more likely to drop out of high school, earn lower wages as adults, and face greater barriers to financial stability. The connection between early literacy and economic mobility isn't theoretical. It's documented, consistent, and largely preventable.
At Literations, we work at exactly this intersection, pairing young readers with skilled literacy coaches during the years when intervention matters most. Because literacy isn't just a school issue. It's a workforce issue. A housing issue. An intergenerational wealth issue.
The earlier we act, the more we can change.
Further Reading:
1. aecf.org | Annie E. Casey Foundation, Early Warning: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters
2. strivetogether.org | StriveTogether, Why Early Grade Reading Matters, 2026
3. educationscorecard.org | Harvard & Stanford, From Learning Recession to Learning Recovery, May 2026
05/21/2026
The moment it clicks. The eyes that light up. The quiet confidence of a kid who just got it.
Our coaches are right there for all of it.
There are a lot of ways to support young readers. We chose in-person, every time, because some things can't travel through a screen. The breakthrough. The encouragement. The small victory that changes everything.
05/19/2026
We are incredibly honored to share that the Aicardi Early Steps (AES) program – a partnership between Curry College, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, and Literations – has been named Volunteer Group of the Year!
This recognition is a testament to the dedication of every volunteer, partner, and supporter who shows up for Boston's youth. A huge thank you to BGCB for this incredible honor and to all three of our partners for making this work possible.
Together, we're making a difference, one young person at a time.
05/04/2026
Honor someone special this Mother's Day! This week, we're honoring the teachers, champions, and mentors who believed in us when it mattered most.
Who's that person for you?
At Literations, we know every child deserves that kind of champion, and it truly takes a village to make that happen.
We're inviting you to honor someone special. Donate any amount by Friday, May 8th, and we'll send you a beautiful certificate with your honoree's name, perfect to print and gift on Mother's Day.
👉 Donate Here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/literations?utm_source=Website%20Button&utm_medium=Website
05/04/2026