Philly Families Read Together

Literacy workshops, children’s books and supplies, digital literacy training, and family supports are provided for grandparents to build their grandchildren’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, support their learning, and engage with schools.

Our GrandFamily Educator use a grandfamily centered approach, linking social emotional lessons with literacy, partnering with local bookstores and authors, and supporting the whole family.

An author reads his book to a group of children and their grandparent caregivers at a Philly Families Read Together workshop.
Wide Eyed Studios

The program is for grandfamilies with children ages 3 to 8. It is primarily funded by The William Penn Foundation Family Literacy Initiative, in partnership with other foundations.

Contact
Dionne Wright-Chambers
215-487-3000 x 14
dwchambers@connectedly.org

A grandchild in the Philly Families Read Together program practices line formation.

In-person meeting locations

  • West Oak Lane Senior Center
    7210-18 Ogontz Ave
    Philadelphia, PA 19138
  • Mt. Airy Church of Christ
    7222 Germantown Avenue
    Philadelphia, PA 19119

Virtual meeting information

  • Zoom session on Thursday evenings

Letter from a participant

“Dear Dionne, I want to thank you for the wonderful grandparent reading workshops. When I found out that my seven-year-old granddaughter was reading below grade level, I was at a loss- until you and [this program] stepped in! [My granddaughter] is now reading at grade level and no longer dreads reading assignments. She loves reading signs, food boxes, recipes, game instructions- pretty much anything with words. She even wants to read her books over and over. Again, thank you for helping my granddaughter to love reading.”

2024 Impact

99%reported reading to their grandchild every week.

93%reported communicating with school staff.

100%improved their digital literacy skills.