Benson's Literacy Foundation

10/18/2022

Benson’s Adventures partners with PBS! Airing next week Monday and Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.

Learn how base words change when we add a prefix or a suffix.

07/23/2022

Sleepy Dog Books is owned by two inspiring educators who followed their DREAM. We had such a great day sharing our books with your customers. Thank you for having us today. ❤️

01/29/2022

Benson’s Literacy Foundation is very appreciative of all the support our local community, local businesses, other non-profit organizations, individuals, and corporations across the nation have given to provide children around the world with unique once in a lifetime travel and literacy experiences. Our supporters have helped to change the lives of our future generations!

Benson’s Literacy Foundation will continue to impact children not only locally but around the world. Thank you! You have made a huge difference in the lives of these children ❤️

07/30/2021

❤️ ❤️ ❤️

We would like to congratulate Mrs. Shannon Cooper-Toma on her new position within our school district. Shannon was previously a Special Education Teacher in our district and has now been awarded the position of Big Rock Elementary Associate Principal and Literacy Coach.

Shannon received a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from Michigan State University and later graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching as a Literacy Specialist focusing on the At-Risk Reader from Saginaw Valley State University. She also received her Administrative Certification. Throughout her educational career, Shannon has held a variety of positions including kindergarten, first, and second grade teacher, as well as a building principal. She has also served on numerous educational committees and has presented for the Bureau of Educational Research (BER), Michigan Reading Association (MRA), and Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association (MEMSPA) to name a few. She and her husband, Rod, reside in Chesaning. They are both proud graduates of Chesaning Union Schools. Shannon is thrilled to be able to serve the students and families in the community she loves so much.

03/11/2021

Thank you, WMU Alumni Association ❤️

Award-winning author, Kindergarten teacher and WMU alumni Tracy Foster (B.A.’96, Education) is making great strides for children’s literacy, with no signs of slowing down!

She and co-author, Shannon Cooper-Toma have created an imaginative book series featuring Benson, a traveling turtle. They were recently invited by Lori Stone, Michigan State Representative, to the State Capitol on Tuesday, March 2 to be honored as authors/educators for their three children's books in the Benson's Adventures series.

Read our full story here --> https://wmualumni.org/stories/alumni-news/wmu-alumna-honored-at-michigans-capitol-for-march-is-reading-month

The visit included the presentation of a tribute for their contributions to children’s literature. You can view the story of the trip by visiting the ABC 12 Flint, Mich. website (WJRT) here--> https://bddy.me/38tfPcw

03/06/2021

We want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for taking the time to share your thoughtful and sweet messages with us. However, we want you to know that we couldn’t have done any of this without YOU! You have encouraged us, believed in us, and celebrated every milestone along the way. We are so very thankful for your love and support. Our project is truly about making a difference in the lives of children. It is about helping students see the world of opportunities around them. We know we couldn’t have succeeded with this project without you and your support. You helped us dream even BIGGER for children. It truly is a COMMUNITY project, so thank you for being our amazingly supportive community! This recognition isn’t about us...it is about all of you!

03/03/2021

02/21/2021

Two Mid-Michigan educators and authors will be honored in Lansing for their contribution to literature.

05/05/2020

Please help me thank two of the most dedicated and loving teachers the world will ever know. Tracy Foster and Shannon Cooper-Toma write children's books and donate 100% of the profits to their literacy non-profit Benson's Adventures.

They encourage children to read books and Dream Big, taking them on amazing trips to places like NASA in Florida. They have spent decades changing countless lives for the better.

Here's to our classroom heroes on this National Teacher Day!

02/25/2020

Dream BIG, little ones! ❤️

02/06/2020

Thank you Matt Barbour for sharing these sweet letters from your Project Imagination visit with our Benson's Adventures books! You did an amazing job!

Getting notes like this brings the biggest smile to my face!😄Such a joy reading Benson's Adventures to Ms. Finney's class at Hyatt Elementary as a part of ABC12's Project Imagination! Thank YOU for having me!