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About
What started as a small pilot at Brick Community Center has grown into a literacy movement across all six CAN sites. Beyond the Books introduces kids to stories that reflect their lives and interests, igniting curiosity, confidence, and joy in reading.
Thanks to dedicated staff, AmeriCorps VISTAs, and generous donors, hundreds of students are now discovering the power of seeing themselves in the pages they read.
Each Beyond The Books unit unfolds over three weeks, helping kids build understanding and engagement step by step.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Week 1
Introduction &
Small-Group Reading
The session will begin with an introduction to the book and its themes, followed by small-group reading to help students build familiarity and comfort with the text. We will then move into a discussion focused on first impressions and key ideas.
Week 2
DEEPENING UNDERSTANDING
Kids will revisit the book in small groups, exploring deeper meanings, themes, and character motivations. They will be asked higher-level questions designed to encourage critical thinking and help them make meaningful connections.
Week 3
Bringing the Book to Life
Students will connect the story to a hands-on or creative activity, giving them opportunities to express what they’ve learned through art, writing, role play, or project-based work. This approach reinforces comprehension by making the story more tangible and memorable.