As both a Spanish bilingual special education teacher, I hold The Reading Tree in high esteem. The classes and free board books, provided in Spanish for parents of 0-36 month old children help families of limited income establish home environments where enjoying books together is the daily norm. This, in turn, promotes future readers who arrive in kindergarten positioned for great school success. It is an honor to be a board member of such a great organization.
I am the founder and past president of the Reading Tree. It started as a way to bring books to children, and has developed into both a vehicle to donate books, as well as an excellent model to help educate our new mothers on the importance of reading. The board is dedicated to providing and serving the San Francisco community. Our executive director has been tireless in fundraising and community awareness. This all has led to the success of this very special organization.
I first got to know The Reading Tree as a new parent who wanted to raise bilingual children. I then became a Reading Tree instructor and later a Board Member. As a former SF Mission District bilingual teacher, I am thrilled that The Reading Tree is developing literacy with families even before they get to preschool!
The Reading Tree has provided the families in our class with opportunities to learn more about the importance of literature and reading for young children. The teachers in class create activities and provide modeling for the families to learn from. The songs and reading of books to very young children on a regular basis helps those children and families have tools which will benefit their overall educational experience.
