Rochester, NY has a rich and complex history that is often overlooked in the classroom due to ever increasing educational mandates.  Reading about Rochester focuses on the following areas with the ultimate goal of improving reading comprehension skills and rewarding student's educational achievement as it relates to NYS Common Core Learning Standards.  To Participate in this program contact BWT at info@breadandwatertheatre.org for a program packet.

General Guidelines:

• The program is a modest partnership between BWT and the supporting school.  For the program to be effective it will need a teacher, parent or similarly suited representative to act as a liason between the students and BWT in order to ensure student compliance and the receipt of educational materials.
• Program timelines vary based on the needs of students.  Generally this program occurs over the course of thirty days.
• This program can be part of an afterschool initiative or an in-class assignment.
• Program participation is limited to once per semester (fall, spring, or summer).

THE PROGRAM

Students will be assigned a book whose author or plot is directly related to Rochester's rich history.  They will be expected to read and analyze the book's content while participating in workshops and events related to the book's plot.

THE CURRENT BOOK(S)

The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave
My Bondage and my Freedom
or Life and Times of Frederick Douglass
All books authored by Frederick Douglass

Over the course of the program students will experience the following in a fun and engaging manner:

• An introductory workshop providing guidance to the students as to the nature of the book, author and historical context.

• Interum guidance provided by educational liason and BWT staff.  This can include additional workshops, field trips and activities.

• A final workshop involving BWT staff using the book as a spring board for achievement in the arts.  The results of this final project can be done as part of an assembly or small gathering which can include parents and other members of the community.

HOW THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED

There is no direct cost to the supporting institution for any of the program costs.  During the course of the program students will be asked to participate in a pledge drive in order to fund future versions of the program.  The pledges they collect will be based on the amount of pages read by the student during their program experience.

This encourages students to promote their reading progress to their community and instills in them a sense of accomplishment.  The funds students gather will go towards program costs with a portion being used as prizes to reward those who excel at the program.

• Barnes and Noble Gift Certificates

• Memberships to Rochester institutions (Rochester Museum and Science Center, Eastman House, Seneca Park Zoo, Memorial Art Gallery, etc.)

• A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet.