The Riot Fest Foundation is pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Chicago SCORES again to maintain the achievements of Literacy in Action, which is a free after school initiative that integrates soccer, poetry and service-learning.
“SCORES uses poetry, creative expression, hip hop and presentation as tools for building literacy skills, self-confidence and classroom participation in communities with starkly under-performing schools. During the fall semester, elementary poet-athletes participate in twice-weekly 90 min. writing workshops based upon America SCORES’ “The Power of Poetry” curriculum – aligned with all twelve points of the Illinois Learning Standards for English Language Arts. The educational programming integrates the four touchstones of language acquisition- reading, writing, speaking, and listening- while teaching students positive modes of self-expression and communication. Students translate the camaraderie developed on field during soccer into a supportive classroom environment which encourages participation both in America SCORES and during the school day. Bringing the team spirit developed on the soccer field into the classroom, writing workshops develop student voice and encourage creativity.
During the spring, the literacy component of the program turns its focus outward. America SCORES’ “Writing for the
Community” curriculum introduces various modes of expression all drawing upon the student voice developed during the fall season. The two weekly workshops are centered on student-directed service projects addressing neighborhood issues identified and explored by the students themselves. Poet-athletes learn to recognize the assets available to them in the community and learn firsthand their power to impact what they see. Rather than creating problems to be solved, these young people are a source of passion to solve problems within their neighborhoods.
In addition, poet-athletes engage in 90 min soccer trainings and games 3 days a week. All activities help to increase
students’ physical fitness; improve students’ conflict resolution skills; and promote the values of healthy eating and
regular exercise. The curriculum incorporates nutrition/healthy living lessons and challenge games designed to
emphasize America SCORES’ core values of teamwork, leadership and commitment.” – Brian Fisher, Program Coordinator
You can find more about Chicago SCORES’ work and their programming on their website and Facebook page.