The Running & Reading Club+
The Start2Finish Running & Reading Club+ is FREE and accessible to children in grades 1-6.
The program addresses the need for enhanced literacy and physical activity among children experiencing poverty/deprivation in the communities it services. S2F currently has Running & Reading Club programs successfully operating in-person from coast to coast in 50+ communities across Canada with even more digitally!
More than an after-school program.
As one of Canada's only available, evidence-based programs that focuses on the "whole child," it offers a unique, life-changing experience producing outcomes in 4 critical areas of well-being: Physical, Mental, Social-Emotional, and School/Academic.
The R&R Club+ uses physical activity to empower children to build a lasting cycle of health and success. The program is based on research that shows exercise positively impacts children's cognitive and social skills and reduces the "stressors" they face.
The program is rooted in Positive Education principles to improve executive functioning skills (focus, working memory, self-control, etc.) and social-emotional competencies (resilience, motivation, mindfulness, positivity, relationship management, self-regulation, belonging, etc.), empowering children to be successful in school and life.
The program sessions run 3x per week after-school — once in-person and twice online.
FAQs
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Students may register for the Running & Reading Club+ through their local school. If the program is not available, please see our virtual Brainworx! program.
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Increased physical activity
Higher reading levels
Development of social-emotional competencies
Increased graduation rates
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The Running & Reading Club+ is an evidence-based after-school program. Results are measured through pre-and post-program evaluations, as well as through participant surveys and journals, volunteer and teacher reports, and a quantitative program study administered by third-party research group ‘Hello Insight’. Results are validated by our Start2Finish Scientific Advisory Group.
Several studies have found that the R&R Club+ program has a high return on investment. Children selected to participate in the Running & Reading Club+ are among those in the direst need of enhanced literacy support; however, a comparison of academic grades showed that 87% of students achieve letter grade or improve 1 to 2 full grade levels in literacy.
Overall program results have shown:
Over 85% of participants achieve grade level literacy and/or improve 1-2+ levels
There is a 60% increase in vigorous physical activity among participants from the beginning to the end of the program
89% of children improve their social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies and achieve the national SEL benchmark
In some rural and Indigenous communities, youth crime has decreased by 82%, attributed to the positive relationships built between participants and the police officers/community members who volunteer in the program
Teachers in participating schools have reported less bullying, decreased hyperactivity/behavioural issues, increased school attendance and better academic performance among children involved in the program
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Positive education is defined as education for both traditional skills and happiness. In Canada, according to UNICEF, children are experiencing high grades but reporting low levels of life satisfaction. There is substantial evidence that positive education is a solution that teaches students skills for happiness. These skills are Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) including decision-making, coping skills, problem-solving skills, relaxation and creative brainstorming.
Positive Education principles are incorporated into every aspect of our programming to better equip children to thrive both in and beyond the classroom.