Partnership announcement: Worldreader and My Special Word

My Special Word and Worldreader bring social-emotional learning to children across the US.

05 September 2022 – San Francisco, CA.
As students return to school, global education nonprofit Worldreader and My Special Word are pleased to announce a partnership that will bring a new reading program focused on social-emotional learning to children across the US.

Founded by Dwight Smith, My Special Word brings the power of positive words to schools and afterschool programs, encouraging children to be their best selves. Worldreader supports children in under-resourced communities around the world through digital reading. Its free BookSmart app allows young readers and their caretakers to access children’s books, learning materials and activities in multiple languages anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Together, the two organizations are uniquely positioned to offer a learning program that inspires children to believe in themselves and tap into their human potential through the power of books.

The program includes a unique collection of books focused on positive words, values, and behaviors that children and families can explore through stories. Thanks to the collection’s focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), children have an opportunity to explore self and social awareness, decision-making, and relationships through the lens of the characters in the books. Each book is accompanied by activities exploring important themes to encourage conversations at home. A teacher toolkit is also available to support program delivery in classrooms and home-to-school connections.

“Worldreader is thrilled to work with My Special Word. The need for a program featuring high-quality stories that support children’s social-emotional learning in these challenging times is vital,” said Rebecca Chandler Leege, Worldreader’s Chief Impact Officer. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and feelings like fear and grief have been traumatizing for children, who also lacked in-person support from peers and teachers due to school closures. A renewed focus on SEL and the importance of recognizing, managing, and discussing one’s emotions is crucial as the school year starts and students return to the classroom.

Through this partnership, Worldreader and My Special Word will give children the support they need to develop as readers and confident, self-aware young people, ready to take on challenges and build a better world. Books included in the program are designed to inspire young readers aged 3-12, and all titles are available in Spanish and English.

Watch the video below to learn more about the partnership from Dwight Smith, Founder of My Special Word:

MEDIA CONTACT
Melanie Wise
Sr. Director, Global Marketing & Communications
Worldreader
comms@worldreader.org