Rooted Stories
Growing a love of reading—one family, one story at a time.
Funded by United Way of Champaign County
Rooted Stories is a free, family-centered literacy program for children entering kindergarten through second grade. Through books, hands-on activities, shared meals, and caregiver participation, families build literacy skills while creating meaningful memories together.
What is Rooted Stories?
Learning to read is one of the most important milestones in a child's life, but it doesn't happen only at school.
Rooted Stories brings families together to read, play, create, and learn in a welcoming environment where caregivers and children participate side by side. Each session is designed to build confidence, strengthen early literacy skills, and make reading something families enjoy together.
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Every participating family receives:
-High-quality children's books to keep
-A free family dinner at every session
-Hands-on literacy activities
-Caregiver participation and learning
-Reading strategies you can use at home
-Take-home activities
-A free family field trip after completing the program
Everything is provided at no cost
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Children entering:
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Families from throughout Champaign-Urbana are welcome to apply.
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During the program, families will explore:
Reading together
Building vocabulary
Storytelling
Letter and word recognition
Reading comprehension
Writing and drawing activities
Games that support literacy
Building confidence as readers
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Children become stronger readers when the adults in their lives are involved.
Rooted Stories isn't just for children—it's for families. Caregivers participate alongside their child so they leave each session with simple, practical ideas they can continue using at home.
No teaching experience is needed. Just come ready to learn, read, and have fun together.
Program Schedule
Our Team
Marina Taylor, M.Ed.
Hi! I'm Marina, the creator of Rooted Stories. I'm a certified elementary teacher with bachelor's and master's degrees in education, with a background in literacy, social-emotional learning, and identity-affirming education. I believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and excited to learn.
I'll be planning and coordinating every part of the program—from literacy activities to our family field trip—to create a welcoming experience where families can grow, connect, and build a love of reading together.
Program Director | Founder & Executive Director, One Root Collective
Alexis Taylor, LSW
Hi! I'm Lexy. I'm a Licensed Social Worker who works with children and families through my private practice. As One Root Collective's Associate Director and Social-Emotional Learning Lead, I'll co-facilitate the English-language group and help create a supportive environment where children and caregivers feel encouraged, connected, and confident as they learn together.
Associate Director | Social-Emotional Learning Lead & English Group Co-Facilitator, One Root Collective
English Group Co-Facilitator & Community Partnerships, , One Root CollectiveKristina Taylor, M.Ed.
Hi! I'm Kristina. For nearly 30 years, I've worked with children, families, and students in higher education. I'll co-facilitate the English-language group alongside Lexy and help create a warm, welcoming space where families can enjoy learning together and build meaningful connections.
Our Comittment
Spanish Group Facilitator, One Root CollectiveAnnadel Melendez, LCSW
Hi! I'm Annadel. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist who works with children, adolescents, and families through my private practice. I'll facilitate our Spanish-language group, helping families strengthen literacy skills in an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported.
At One Root Collective, we believe every family deserves a place where they feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Our team is passionate about creating inclusive, identity-affirming spaces where children can build literacy skills, caregivers feel supported, and families from all backgrounds experience a true sense of belonging.
Thanks to Our Sponsor
Made Possible by United Way of Champaign County
Rooted Stories is offered completely free to families thanks to the generous support of United Way of Champaign County.
Their investment helps children strengthen literacy skills while giving families opportunities to learn, connect, and grow together.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes! Rooted Stories is completely free for participating families thanks to funding from United Way of Champaign County. There is no cost to attend. Families will receive dinner at each session, books to take home, hands-on literacy activities, and a free family field trip upon successful completion of the program.
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Rooted Stories is open to children entering kindergarten, first grade, or second grade. Families living in the Champaign-Urbana area are encouraged to apply.
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Yes. Rooted Stories is designed as a family literacy program, so a parent, guardian, or other consistent caregiver is expected to participate alongside their child during each session.
Research shows that children develop stronger literacy skills when families are actively involved, and we want to equip caregivers with fun, practical strategies they can continue using at home.
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Rooted Stories will be held at One Root Collective's community space in Champaign. Families who are accepted into the program will receive the full address, schedule, and additional details before the first session.
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Families who successfully complete the program will be invited on a free family field trip to celebrate everything they've learned together. The trip is designed to encourage continued learning, exploration, and quality family time. Additional details will be shared with participating families.
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Absolutely! One Root Collective is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive environments for all families. We strive to make our programs accessible and encourage families to let us know about any accommodations or supports that would help their child have a successful experience.
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Space is limited, so submitting an application does not guarantee enrollment. Applications will be reviewed after the deadline, and selected families will be contacted with next steps.
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Each one-hour session includes a family meal, an interactive read-aloud, hands-on literacy activities, opportunities for caregivers and children to learn together, and time to connect with other families in the community.
Every activity is designed to be engaging, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate for young learners.
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Yes! Families will receive books throughout the program to help build a home library and encourage reading long after the program ends.
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Because each session builds on the previous one, families are encouraged to attend every meeting whenever possible. Consistent attendance helps children get the most out of the program and ensures families are eligible for the end-of-program family field trip.
If an unexpected situation comes up, please let us know as soon as possible.
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Just yourselves! We'll provide books, materials, activities, and dinner. We recommend bringing a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, read, and have fun together.
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Yes! We know that finding childcare can sometimes be a barrier for families, so siblings are welcome to attend.
For older siblings, we'll have a designated area with quiet, independent activities they can enjoy while the program is taking place.
For younger siblings who are not yet in kindergarten, we'll have a team member available to supervise them in a separate space so caregivers can fully participate alongside their child enrolled in Rooted Stories.
Our goal is to make Rooted Stories as accessible and family-friendly as possible, and we want every family to feel welcome.
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We're happy to help! If you have any questions about Rooted Stories or the application process, please email us at connect@onerootcollective.org.
Why We Created Rooted Stories