Program works with Raptors, OISE to make literacy fun
Parents looking to keep their kids active, and add a dash of learning, can enrol them in the Big League Book Club this March Break.
From March 13 to 17 students looking to play basketball, volleyball and floor hockey, as well as get a few books read, will get their opportunity through former Toronto District School Board trustee, Patrick Rutledge’s program.
Two years ago, the program introduced students from the Ontario Institute for Studies of Education to teach to improve kids’ literacy, thanks to former Rawlinson Public School principal, Lilly Sarno.
Sarno retired from the TDSB, but has become a practicum coordinator with the University of Toronto’s post-grad program. It’s been the best decision Rutledge has made.
“That has turned out to be a blessing because they’re keen, and they’re young,” he said. “They can identify with the kids (and) they don’t come to the program with any pre-conceived ideas of what teaching’s all about.”
This year, Toronto Raptor, DeMar DeRozan, is sharing the wealth of his Slam Dunk Book Club with teammates Norman Powell and Pascal Siakam. Through his book club, the Raptors have set up a new system, where students who excel the most in the program will be brought down to a game, and get a chance to meet the NBA All-Star.
The Club has recently teamed with Quantum Sports and Learning Association to provide the math and science side of academia.
Registration for the Book Club began Jan. 20, and will continue up to the March Break.