Benefits
- Shows children that books open up worlds
- Mixes pedagogy and play, mental and physical activities
- Teaches children literary and analytic skills — Watch video
- Increases student interest in and comprehension of literacy as a domain of experience, in school and beyond
- Utilizes social science research findings that the study of the arts promotes learning and improves mental abilities
- Pilot-tested program — read assessments by educational experts Robert Halpern and M. Catherine Gruber
- Connects to the Illinois Standards for English and Language Arts, especially State Goals 1, 2, 4 & 5, to the Illinois Learning Standards for Fine Arts and all of its State Goals and to the Common Core Standards
- Offers participants opportunities to work with a diverse range of teachers, student teachers from various high schools, colleges and universities, and parent volunteers, offering various models of and opportunities for mentoring
- Provides community service hours required for high school graduation to student helpers and experience in mentoring younger children
- Exposes children to artists and experts from a wide range of disciplines
- Takes children on field trips to Chicago's finest drama and music performances, museums and galleries
- Offers opportunities for participants to display their art and work at local Chicago Public Library branches, as well as participation in various cultural events and exhibitions
Cool Classics! is suitable for Pre-Kindergarten though 4th grade. For information on bringing a program to your school, please contact Mara Tapp at:
3712 N. Broadway
Suite 558
Chicago, IL 60613