News Summary
YaYa&Co. has introduced the Cozy Corners program in Cleveland to enhance literacy among middle school students. This initiative involves creating inviting reading spaces in local schools and engaging students in literary exploration. Through partnerships with Title I schools and the donation of resources, the program aims to increase student motivation and academic performance. Success in this program has led to plans for expansion into more schools, reflecting a strong commitment to bolstering literacy in the community.
Cleveland is the latest city to witness an innovative literacy initiative as Cleveland’s YaYa&Co. has launched its Cozy Corners program aimed at promoting reading among middle school students. This initiative is part of a broader effort that includes partnerships with local Title I schools to provide free Scholastic book fairs through the “If You Give a Child a Book” campaign.
YaYa&Co., an ethical home décor brand based in Cleveland, specializes in products made from organic materials and artisan-crafted textiles. Founded by Candy Mashmoor five years ago, the company’s mission focuses on human connection and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful products that resonate with love and appreciation. The brand is named in honor of Mashmoor’s late daughter, Yaara, affectionately known as Yaya.
The Cozy Corners program specifically targets 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at East Clark School. The initiative aims to create welcoming reading spaces where students can feel comfortable and engaged. Educators such as language arts teacher Ebony Donley have reported a noticeable increase in student motivation and performance in reading since the introduction of the Cozy Corners initiative. The inviting environments encourage children to explore literature, fostering a sense of excitement about their academic progress.
YaYa&Co. has taken an active role in supporting literacy by donating products to schools and participating in classroom visits to interact with students and acknowledge top readers. The program underlines the essential role of reading in students’ future success, and the excitement generated among the students is palpable as they embrace the opportunity to improve their reading skills.
The success of Cozy Corners has prompted plans for an expansion into three additional schools located in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, further strengthening YaYa&Co.’s commitment to enhancing literacy in the community. In addition to its literacy efforts, the company is also embarking on a project to renovate an old factory building, which will be transformed into co-working and child enrichment spaces.
Recent reports indicate that some public school districts in Ohio have received lower ratings in early literacy as part of the state report card assessments. As education standards are evolving, literacy instruction in Ohio schools is shifting towards the “science of reading,” which places a stronger emphasis on phonics and vocabulary development. This transition is part of updated literacy laws that eliminate previous exemptions for struggling readers regarding grade promotions, thus holding students to a higher standard for academic progression.
Overall, the Cozy Corners program by YaYa&Co. stands as a significant initiative to promote literacy and reading engagement among students in Cleveland. With increased support from both the community and educational institutions, the potential impact on students’ academic achievements could be profound, setting a strong foundation for future learning and success.
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YaYa&Co. Launches Cozy Corners Program to Boost Literacy
Additional Resources
- News 5 Cleveland: Company with a Soul
- Wikipedia: Literacy
- Cleveland.com: Science of Reading Transition
- Google Search: Early Literacy
- News 5 Cleveland: Importance of Reading to Kids
- Google Scholar: Reading Instruction
- Dayton Daily News: Dayton Public Schools Reading Curriculum Overhaul
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reading Comprehension
- Cleveland Banner: Lee University’s Early Literacy Advisory Council Appointment
- Google News: Early Literacy Programs
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
