Classroom Literacy Volunteers – November & December Workshops

Organization: Behind the Book

Location: On-site NYC Title IX schools

About Behind the Book

Behind the Book (BtB) inspires young people to cultivate their vast potential through programs centered on diverse books and their authors. We work with K–12 students from Title I schools and low-income communities, fostering motivation to read and empowering students’ voices through the transformative power of storytelling.

Volunteer Opportunity: In-Class Literacy Workshops

We’re excited to share a few upcoming volunteer opportunities this November and December as part of our classroom literacy programs that bring diverse books and authors directly to NYC public school students.

Volunteers play a key role in helping students connect with stories, authors, and their own creative voices through writing, discussion, and art activities.

November & December Opportunities

📍P.S. 154 – Harlem

Writing Workshop – Thursday, November 13, 2025 | 8:30–9:45 AM

Support 3rd graders as they add details to their writing drafts based on The River is My Ocean by Rio Cortez.

Students will write about their family stories and immigration experiences, connecting personal history to community and belonging.

Volunteers Needed: 2 (Spanish speakers preferred)

📍 P.S. 154 – Harlem

Writing Workshop – Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 10:00–11:10 AM

Help 5th graders refine their creation stories inspired by A Land of Books: Dreams of Young Mexihcah Word Painters by Duncan Tonatiuh.

Students will add details from their codices into their written work.

Volunteers Needed: 6–8

📍 Atlas High School – Astoria, Queens

Research Workshop – Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 1:45–2:40 PM

Support 9th graders as they conduct research related to the book’s themes as preparation for their writing and art projects.

Volunteers Needed: 3–4

📍 Atlas High School – Astoria, Queens

Writing Workshop II – Tuesday, December 9, 2025 | 1:45–2:40 PM

Support 9th graders as they work on their “Voices of Belonging” writing project—a school newspaper feature inspired by Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos.

Students will act as journalists, storytellers, and community voices exploring identity, community, and belonging.

Volunteers Needed: 3–4

📍 Atlas High School – Astoria, Queens

Writing Workshop III – Tuesday, December 16, 2025 | 1:45–2:40 PM

Continue supporting students as they refine and expand their “Voices of Belonging” newspaper pieces.

Volunteers Needed: 3–4

📍 Atlas High School – Astoria, Queens

Art Workshop I – Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 1:45–2:40 PM

Support students during the “Mirror Me” reflective art installation activity. Students will design mirror panels with affirmations and words of self-definition, forming a collaborative wall installation celebrating self-acceptance and belonging.

Volunteers Needed: 3–4

Important Details

🧾 Background Check:

Please note that all volunteers must complete a background check prior to participating in classroom programs.

📋 Sign Up:

If you’d like to volunteer, please fill out this short form to indicate your availability:

👉 Volunteer Sign-Up Form

You may select multiple sessions, and we’ll do our best to match your availability with classroom needs. Once confirmed, you’ll receive detailed instructions and logistics.