Woman with RedRover Readers reads book to children

Education Community Partners

Sacramento Native American Health Center | Forest School, South Texas

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Welcome to RedRover Readers

RedRover Readers is dedicated to fostering empathy and compassion in children through the power of storytelling, using animal-themed children’s books. Our program inspires a lifelong love of reading, while teaching essential values of kindness and empathy towards animals.

  • Dr. Maurren Wimatt
    “The RedRover approach for collaboration was spot on for anyone working with Urban Indian Organizations and Tribal communities. RedRover heard our priorities, and took time to get feedback from local experts and staff. When the EAGLES program was rolled out, there was community buy-in because it was developed by SNAHC with RedRover expertise. I personally appreciate it, and the community was so excited for the program as a direct result of this important collaboration. This will serve RedRover well in developing similar programs with different groups and organizations. We thank RedRover for being responsive to our feedback and process. The RedRover approach works!”
    Dr. Maurren Wimatt
    Chief Program and Development Officer at the Sacramento Native American Health Center
RedRover Readers representative oversees an art activity with children

Our Partnership with Sacramento Native American Health Center: Introducing Early Ages Gathering to Learn Empathy Through Stories (EAGLES) Program

 About Sacramento Native American Health Center (SNAHC)

Sacramento Native American Health Center is a vital community resource dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Native Americans in the Sacramento area. They provide comprehensive health services and educational programs that empower individuals and families.

How We Partner Together

Sacramento Native American Health Center and RedRover Readers collaborated to co-create the Early Ages Gathering to Learn Empathy Through Stories (EAGLES) program. During a series of collaborative discussions, we explored Native-centered children's books together and selected ten books. The program aims to:

  • Promote Early Literacy: Using specially selected books, children are engaged in interactive reading sessions that cultivate literacy skills. Teach Empathy: Through stories featuring animals, children learn about emotions, empathy, compassion, and responsible behavior towards animals and each other.
  • Hold Educational Workshops: Collaborative workshops are held to train Youth Facilitators to learn techniques and group management in order to implement the program with supervision.
  • Engage Communities: Together, we organize events that promote literacy and compassion within the community, focusing on Native youth, and fostering a sense of empathy that extends beyond the classroom.

Impact of Our Partnership

Through the RedRover Readers program at Sacramento Native American Health Center, we aim to:

  • Enhance Early Childhood Development and Literacy Skills: Foster social and emotional skills crucial for young children’s growthgrown and development, and improve children's reading abilities and comprehension through interactive reading sessions.
  • Promote Empathy: Instill empathy towards animals and fellow people, encouraging compassionate behavior toward all living creatures and nature.
  • Support Community Health: Create a positive impact on the overall well-being of children and families served by SNAHC.

Participants in the EAGLES program had higher emotion word vocabulary after participating

Through the EAGLES program, participants experienced a boost in their emotional vocabulary. By the end of the program, the number of emotions they could identify had doubled from week 1 to week 6. A one-sample t-test revealed this increase of 5 words by week 6 to be statistically significant (t=3.0, p=0.02). It was observed that 90% of the emotion words recognized in week 6 were new additions, likely acquired through the program's activities.

Our Partnership with Forest School
About Forest School

About Forest School

Forest School in South Texas is an educational institution that emphasizes outdoor, nature-based learning. They offer immersive, hands-on experiences where students explore and engage with the natural world. Their curriculum integrates environmental science, sustainability, and outdoor exploration to promote critical thinking and personal growth. By providing a learning environment in natural settings, Forest School encourages students to connect with nature, develop practical skills, and foster a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

How We Partner Together

We collaborate with Forest School in South Texas, a leading educational institution committed to fostering a love for nature and hands-on learning among children. This partnership represents a shared commitment to enhancing literacy and encouraging compassion in young learners through innovative and engaging programs.

  • Nature Tales and Compassion Workshops: Combining RedRover Readers’ animal stories with Forest School’s outdoor setting, these workshops feature storytelling sessions followed by nature-based activities that reinforce the themes of empathy and animal welfare. Students listen to stories about animals and then participate in interactive discussions and hands-on projects related to the natural world.
  • Empathy Through Exploration: Students from Forest School explore the outdoors while engaging with RedRover Readers’ materials that highlight animal stories and conservation themes. This program encourages students to connect their outdoor experiences with the values of compassion and empathy for all living beings.
  • Community Events and Family Engagement: Together, we organize community events that celebrate reading and nature, such as storytelling festivals, book fairs, and outdoor educational fairs. These events bring families and community members together to enjoy reading, learn about animals, and participate in nature-based activities.

Impact of Our Partnerships

Our collaboration has created meaningful experiences for students, educators, and families. By merging RedRover Readers’ focus on empathy and animal welfare with Forest School’s commitment to outdoor education, we are enriching students’ learning experiences and strengthening their connections with both literature and nature.

Success Stories:

  • Student Feedback: Students have shared how the combination of reading and outdoor learning has deepened their understanding of animals and fostered a greater appreciation for nature.
  • Teacher Insights: Educators report increased engagement and enthusiasm in students participating in our joint programs, noting improvements in empathy and social skills.
  • Community Response: Families have embraced the opportunity to engage in both educational and recreational activities, strengthening their bond with the local community and environmental causes.

Partner with Us

Interested in partnering with RedRover Readers to co-create a collaborative program for your community project together?  Contact Readers@RedRover.org

Other ways to get involved

Contact Us

Ready to learn more or want to collaborate? Contact us at Readers@RedRover.org to explore partnership opportunities or get involved today!