Open up a child’s world through reading.
Read to a child and the two of you can go anywhere. Outer space. Underwater caves. The corner store. And, since research shows reading aloud with children is the single most important activity to helping them become successful readers, you’re improving their future. One story at a time.
James Patterson knows the power of stories — and reading
The best-selling Children’s Choice Book Award “Author of the Year,” believes getting kids reading is the most important thing you can do. Listen as reading advocate James Patterson encourages you to make reading to a child a part of your story.
Change the course of a child’s future—over lunch.
Getting involved with Read to a Child is so easy. Just once a week—over your lunch hour—spending time reading to a child at a nearby school. And everybody benefits. The kids’ enthusiasm makes it fun for you! Your time will make it special for them.
Reading’s ripple effect
Think the only one who benefits from reading aloud is the child? That’s just part of the story. We know one-on-one reading increases a child’s reading proficiency, often along with his interest and comprehension in other areas. And the consistent, positive interaction with a caring adult makes a child feel valued, boosting confidence.
But the volunteer gets it back in spades. Realizing how big a difference your small time commitment can make, immersing yourself in the fun of a colorful picture book or the adventure of a chapter book, just being around the energy and enthusiasm of children is a powerful, feel-good activity that lingers.
Companies that participate benefit from that positivity, too. Pulling together to make a community better and doing something extra to help out children who need it increases organizational pride, tightening the bonds of teamwork.
