Two-year-old Koko Than demonstrated his impressive knowledge of letters, shapes and body parts Wednesday at Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology’s “Read and Rise Literacy Play Group.”
Koko and his mom Micho are inaugural members of the group, which started this year at TOAST and meets twice a month in the library. The group works with parents and caregivers to introduce literacy to the smallest learners in a variety of ways.
TOAST literacy coach Margaret Bruce said they tailor play-group activities to developmental age of children in the group that day. In general, a meeting consists of reading a book, a craft, a song and plenty of play.
Bruce and TOAST community school site coordinator Shaniqua Dowdy are in charge, and they’re assisted by volunteer Nakia Tillman (who also works full time for Trinity Alliance as a family support specialist).
Any Albany family with children from birth to 4 years old is invited, and the group meets next on Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. To learn more about the Read and Rise Literacy Play Group, call the school at (518) 475-6875), or email Bruce at mbruce@albany.k12.ny.us or Dowdy at sdowdy@albany.k12.ny.us.
