UND CONNECT project brings RedRover Readers to North Dakota
Chelsea Hughes, clinical assistant professor of Social Work at the University of North Dakota, is helping bring a national children’s literacy and social-emotional learning program to North Dakota for the first time.
Through a UND CONNECT grant, Hughes and student fellows piloted RedRover Readers this spring at the Grand Forks Public Library. The national program uses picture books about animals to help children ages 5 to 11 practice empathy, observation, critical thinking and other skills.
“It’s kind of under the umbrella of humane education or social and emotional learning for children,” Hughes said. “We use these stories and discussions about animals and people to foster empathy in children.”
Each session featured a selected story, guided discussion and related activities. During readings, Hughes asked children open-ended questions about what animals in the books might be feeling, what clues they could observe in the illustrations and how those lessons might apply to people and animals in real life.
The spring pilot included five readings at the library, with books featuring animals such as cats, dogs and rabbits. The project also trained 14 volunteers, many of them UND social work students, to use RedRover Readers’ discussion-based approach.
For students preparing for careers in social work, child welfare, education or health care, Hughes said the program offers practical experience in listening, building trust and creating spaces where children feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
“I think the community-building element and literacy connection are really important pieces for kids,” Hughes said.
Following the spring pilot, the Grand Forks Public Library is interested in continuing the program. Additional readings are planned for September, October and November.
