Classes are composed of 8 to 10 inmates and two well-trained instructors. Selected children's books are distributed to class members; instructors demonstrate how to read books aloud in an expressive manner, and they teach techniques to engage children's attention. Inmates improve their literacy and writing skills when they make book audio tapes and compose their own stories and letters to send home to their children. Motheread activities also foster communication among family members, thus strengthening the family's emotional bonds. Class members learn parenting skills by identifying and discussing themes in the children's stories. In addition, class activities are designed to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The Motheread Program is popular with NCCIW inmates and has served more than 600 inmates over the past several years. An evaluation of the program indicates it has been helpful to inmates in the areas of literacy and relationship building.