Local Mother Embraces Learning Outside of the Classroom

The Brafford girls, pictured at right, were invited to participate in the bornlearning™ Academy at Beechgrove Elementary almost two years ago. Developed by United Way of Greater Cincinnati Success By 6® in partnership with Kenton Country Schools and Northern Kentucky University faculty, the bornlearning™ Academy is a workshop series that teaches parents of children from prenatal to five years of age how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

Because youth spend 80 percent of their time in settings other than school, academic enrichment must be advanced through real-world experiences and community activities. Class topics vary each month, focusing on interactive activities using household items. “The concept is so simple, but so powerful once you've been given the tools," Kristen said.

High school dropouts are more than 18 years in the making. Children start learning at birth and the foundation for future learning is laid in the first few years. Disadvantaged children may come to school at least two years behind their peers in pre-reading skills, and most never catch up.

Kristen says, “If my mom had known how important the first five years are, things may have turned out differently for me.” However, her girls are adapting to the Academy’s lessons immediately, both of whom are now reading at a first grade level. She says, “My girls can’t wait for school everyday, and are already planning their futures.”

As a convening leader in early childhood, United Way is committed to ensuring that children are prepared to enter Kindergarten ready to succeed. As part of our initiative, 15 additional schools in the Northern Kentucky area have begun reaching out to families in their communities through the bornlearning™ Academy, beginning to build partnerships early and create effective transitions to school.

"I am so proud to be a part of a community that is willing to take time and effort to make our children's future a priority," says Kristen. "It's not only their future, but ours as well."