Exciting News: Our Summer Program “Backpack Buddies” Takes Reading to New Heights! 

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our newest summer program, Backpack Buddies, an at-home literacy initiative designed to help parents share the love of reading with their children. This program brings our proven literacy methodologies directly into the homes of our participants, offering families the chance to reinforce learning from school, showcase their child’s reading abilities, and enjoy educational fun together. 

Funded by a generous summer reading grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Backpack Buddies has already made a significant impact on families in the Fargo/Moorhead area. But that’s not all—we’ve been able to reach those living in neighboring rural communities by mailing literacy packs to families, ensuring that more children can benefit from this wonderful program. 

What Makes Backpack Buddies Special? 

Backpack Buddies is crafted to make reading an engaging and interactive experience for children and their parents, with resources aimed at everyone from infants to adults. Each literacy pack includes age-appropriate books, activities, and materials that align with what children are learning in school. This approach not only reinforces classroom lessons but also helps participants gain confidence in their reading skills by practicing at home. We have 36 participants ranging in age from 1 to 36 years old, which we believe showcases the broad impact and inclusivity of the program. 

Parent Feedback

We’re delighted to share some of the heartwarming feedback we’ve received from parents participating in the program: 

• “I was shocked he could sit through a story. He loved matching the letters.” 

• “This book was a good reading level for his ability. He enjoyed the story and hopefully will become more independent as the weeks go on.” 

• “This activity reinforced what he was taught in school this year.” 

• “We had a good discussion on the ‘what ifs’ based on the story cards.” 

• “I was surprised at how many words she could read. This story was a hit.” 

• “He didn’t want to stop doing these activities. This was great practice.” 

• “We enjoyed this very much. Fun!” 

These testimonials highlight the positive impact Backpack Buddies is having on children’s literacy development and family bonding. It’s truly inspiring to see parents and children sharing the joy of reading and learning together. 

Looking Ahead to the Future 

We hope to continue to offer this program and reach even more families. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact our team at, literacyfargo@gigisplayhouse.org. Let’s make this summer a season of reading, learning, and fun! 

Thank you to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their support and to all the families participating in Backpack Buddies. Together, we’re making a difference—one book at a time. 

Happy reading!