Why is early literacy so important?
When kids have access to books at home and at school, studies have shown that they are much more successful in school. 

In fact, did you know:

• In some of the lowest-income neighborhoods in the country there is only one book available for every 300 children.
• 42% of children in the United States — more than 30 million — live in low-income households. Most of these children have no age-appropriate books at home, and the classrooms and programs they attend are woefully under-resourced. Approximately two-thirds of these schools and programs cannot afford to buy books at retail prices.
• Children and adults who are illiterate or have low literacy skills have poor educational, employment and health outlooks.  Many of them will not graduate from high school, will earn barely enough to stay above poverty levels, and will be more likely to engage in criminal and anti-social behaviors.

We know that children who spend time reading, starting from just days old, have higher memory skills, motivation, and curiosity by age one.   And, children who have experienced an abundance of language – which can mean just reading books out loud – will have heard 32 million more words by the time they are 4 compared to children who haven’t had a language-rich environment.

How can I get involved?
It’s easy to share a book and give to those in need.  Start by reading a book with your child.  You can then download and print out a book label to insert into the book.  Pass the book along to a friend or family member and have them do the same.  You’ll receive a code which will allow you to follow your book’s journey as it is shared with others. 

What can parents do at home to encourage reading with their child?  

• Your own words and actions will speak volumes.
• When your child sees you reading newspapers, magazines, and books, he or she will understand the importance of reading and will want to read, too.

• Reading with your child on a regular basis is by far the best way to encourage your budding reader.
• Make reading a relaxed, fun activity and establish a routine time and place for reading, when possible.

• Allow your child to select books he/she wants to read. 
• It’s ok if you’ve read the same book over and over – children love repetition and they love being able to “read” along when a book becomes well known to them.
• Before you begin a new book, engage your child’s imagination. Read the book’s title and ask your child what the story might be about.  Allow your child to hold the book, see the illustrations, and turn the pages.

Check out our parent resource library for even more tips and resources about reading to your baby, toddler or preschooler as well as recommended reading lists by age.

How Read.Share.Give. Works