Free Library Of Philadelphia Launches Vocabulary Initiative For Underprivileged Kids
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Words At Play. That's the name of a vocabulary initiative launched Saturday for pre-kindergarten kids in socioeconomic disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Outside the Cecil B. Moore neighborhood library in North Philadelphia, the vocabulary words of the day were written in chalk on the sidewalk.....shadow, texture, whistle and neighborhood. The words were worked into songs, crafts and were included in books that were given to the children.
"I think this is wonderful," said Natasha Charles, who was there with her daughter. "From what I understand it's to increase the amount of vocabulary that a child is going to hear and help them to do better in school, increase their literacy level, which I think is wonderful."
The Free Library of Philadelphia and community partners launched Words At Play. It's funded by a $1.5 million grant from PNC Bank.
Thousands of children in North Philadelphia are expected to participate in the two-year program.