Classroom Development

Creating classrooms made for learning

The need is great

In rural communities where educational resources are scarce, Child Aid works to supply each classroom with the resources they need to foster a creative, thriving, learning environment.

We know that strong readers are more likely to develop the comprehension and critical thinking skills that are the foundation of literacy. To make this happen it takes well trained teachers, and an environment designed for learning. Classrooms are spaces for exploration, learning and appreciation – and they, like students, have needs.

Most Guatemalan classrooms are lucky to have one or two books per student. That is before we get started!

Quality Spanish-language books are often lacking in elementary schools throughout Guatemala. When Child Aid arrives at a school, we often find that there are few books in the classrooms, and what books they do have are outdated and not suitable for a child learning to read.

To address this, Child Aid supplies each of its schools with hundreds of books each year they are in the program, stocking the shelves with age-appropriate, fun, informative books for students to read.

But well stocked bookshelves are not enough. We need to create an environment that is optimized for learning.

A well structured classroom is one that invites students to explore and co-learn. It is attractive, and things are organized in a useful, welcoming way.

There are spaces for reading, writing, playing and learning. And these spaces are filled with instruction, examples, and ways to create.

Child Aid works with teachers to design and decorate dedicated spaces for reading and writing in their classrooms, spaces where children have access to books, writing materials, educational games, and activities. These spaces invite students to explore their creativity, reward their curiosity, and learn to love learning!

How we do it

Our approach to classroom development can be summarized as follows:

Child Aid distributes tens of thousands of Spanish-language books to primary schools each year, providing colorful, engaging children’s books for classroom activities, literacy instruction, and reading promotion.

Learn more about our books program

Child Aid trainers work with teachers to make books more accessible to students by creating reading corners in their classrooms – fun spaces where students feel comfortable hanging out and practicing their reading skills.

Learn more about Our reading corners

Child Aid trainers work with teachers to create spaces that inspire students to write stories, poems, and more. These creative centers give students a dedicated space for building their skills as writers.

Learn more about our Writing Centers

Never before have we had books that the kids loved so much, that grabbed their attention, the way the Child Aid books do. The books are very good so the kids become interested in reading.

Fourth Grade Teacher
Chuinimachicaj

Every year, Child Aid delivers books to more than 100 schools throughout rural Guatemala. Teachers use these books to help students develop a love of reading and learning.

These books help children explore science concepts, learn history and geography, and foster a sense of curiosity and creativity. Together with the curriculum that we develop and supply to teachers, this provides children with the skills they need to reach higher, go farther and achieve their goals.

Books help kids to lean into their natural curiosity and gain the confidence to ask challenging questions and seek answers — and this brings about lasting change for their communities.

“A good book fosters curiosity – curiosity changes the world.”

Nancy Press, Ph.D
Co-Founder and co-CEO