Bly - top right
Bly Brown chose to join Skyline Literacy as a Family Literacy Program Tutor around seven years ago. Her decision was rooted in a lifelong belief that families who share books and embrace literacy together are not only more successful in their communities but also lead more fulfilling lives. She yearned to facilitate this belief and make it a reality for families in her community, and Skyline Literacy welcomed her with open arms.
As an educator throughout her professional life, Bly knew the power of learning within a family unit. She was inspired by the idea that when parents and children share literacy experiences at home, they create powerful learning environments that can shape the course of their lives.
Over the years, Bly had the privilege of witnessing the transformative impact of family literacy programs on the families she worked with. She and her dedicated partner, Dolores, embodied the notion that it's not just okay to read and have fun activities with children; it's crucial. Parents who once held reservations about engaging in literacy activities with their children gradually shed their inhibitions. They discovered the joy of playing with literacy, creating bonds with their children that were stronger than ever before. It was a win-win situation for both parents and their eager learners.
Bly and Dolores carefully selected picture books with themes they wanted to introduce to the families. These books were paired with hands-on creative activities, from drawing and making snacks to crafting friendship bracelets. Bly remembered fondly the time when she and Dolores ran a program for PBS called Ready To Learn, where the same principles of empowering parents as their children's first teachers were applied.
In the midst of the pandemic, technology became a bridge to continue their mission. Bly and Dolores utilized Zoom, allowing families to engage in sessions from the comfort of their homes. It was a platform that facilitated the practice of reading and activities, ensuring that families could replicate the techniques introduced during their sessions.
To Bly, success in the program looked like families valuing daily reading and incorporating language into their daily lives. It meant parents practicing English with simple books that became a part of their home libraries. Their progress and dedication were a testament to the vision of Skyline Literacy: to empower individuals and families through literacy.
With unwavering dedication, Bly contributed to Skyline Literacy's mission and vision by fostering a love for learning within families, nurturing the bonds between parents and children, and creating a brighter future for her community, one page at a time. Her story serves as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of family literacy programs and the difference one passionate educator can make in the lives of many.