Grant funds will expand Access to Literacy at Lettie Brown Elementary

At Lettie Brown Elementary School in Morton, Illinois, a new initiative is making reading more accessible for students who face challenges with traditional print. With support from The Hambrick Foundation, librarian Laurie Zehr has launched a project to provide large print books, Wonderbooks, and Playaways to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 plans, and dyslexia diagnoses.

These resources are more than just new tools. They are evidence-based interventions proven to reduce reading anxiety, improve comprehension, and increase reading fluency for students with learning differences. Wonderbooks include audio components that allow students to read along, while Playaways give students the chance to listen at their own pace, promoting understanding and vocabulary growth.

Research played a significant role in shaping this initiative. A nationwide study by Project Tomorrow reported that 43 percent of students with anxiety about reading below grade level showed improved comprehension and retention using large print materials. Additional findings from the International Reading Association highlight how audiobooks can support fluency and introduce students to new genres and vocabulary.

"This material will make the literacy experience more enjoyable," Zehr wrote in her application. "Four-fifths of teachers said large print books benefit students who have issues tracking or lack self-confidence in reading."

This project will directly benefit 64 students with diagnosed reading challenges and indirectly support hundreds more. With proper care and implementation, the materials are expected to be used for at least the next ten years, impacting current and future students alike.

We are honored to support this effort and commend the team at Lettie Brown for their commitment to inclusive and effective education.