PINE BLUFF, Ark. — An educator in Pine Bluff has been actively working to change the narrative of her city.
Melanie Madkin is a first-grade teacher at Friendship Aspire Academy Public Charter School and will now head an early literacy program, with big plans.
She hopes a good thing may change a negative narrative, all while creating well-rounded young learners.
"I want to give my kids more hope by creating a program that will benefit them more and literacy is the foundation to everything," Madkin explained.
In late 2023, she wrote up the proposal for a free youth class, and to her surprise it was approved, and she will be the one leading it.
"Come read, sing, dance & play with me!" will kick off on February 3 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
"It'll be a consistent learning environment. It's going to be very intentional and fun, and will cater to each child's needs," she described.
Madkin’s push to create the class is twofold. First, she explained how the city of Pine Bluff deserves more.
"It's a big thing for crime, but there are so many more positive things that we contribute in this city,” she said.
She explained that positivity starts young and foundations of literacy are what can help nurture it.
“I see the struggle that some of the kids have when I first get them whether they're in kindergarten or first grade, and do not know the foundations,” Madkin said.
She wants to get these young learners to learn how to read and write.
“If we can get them where they need to be when they matriculate to kindergarten or first grade, they'll be so ready,” Madkin said. “They will be confident and competent.”
An important note with Madkin’s youth class is that learning to read and write doesn't have to happen behind a desk— it can happen by singing and using your hands.
“Stuff like playdough, anything to build up their hand strength or music,” Madkin said.
The class will meet once a month and accepts any student aged from two to six years old.
Any child can register, but because the class is just kicking off, they are only accepting the first 12 to 15 kids.
Madkin said she views this class as her step to give back the knowledge and zest for knowledge that was given to her as a young learner.
“I have to pay it forward because someone planted that seed in me, I must pay it forward and plant that seed right back to these babies right now,” Madkin added.
Kick-off for the free class will be on February 3 and will last from 11:00 a.m., through noon.