Ajla Grozdanic, Manager, Marketing and Communications, U.S. Programs
Washington, D.C.
February 6, 2012
Check out the rest of our "Love to Read" series for recommendations for fun and educational books that will help your child develop into an avid reader!
Did you know that, in our country, less than half of children under the age of five are read to on a daily basis by a family member? It’s no wonder, then, that only about one third of American students are proficient in reading by the time they reach fourth grade.
Teaching our kids to become skilled readers early on is key to ensuring their success in school and life. This is especially true for the one out of every four children living in poverty in America. Why? Because education is one of the most viable pathways out of poverty. And yet, more than 60 percent of low-income families can’t afford to have books in their homes.
That’s why Save the Children, through our early childhood education and school-based programs, strives to help disadvantaged children right here in the United States develop and grow as readers from birth all the way through sixth grade. The results speak for themselves! Last year, students in our literacy programs read an average of 68 books. Sixty eight percent of participants showed significant improvements in overall reading ability. What’s more, the number of those reading at or above grade level nearly doubled by the end of the school year.
But we don’t want to bore you with numbers and statistics. Instead, we asked our young program participants all over the country to tell you, in their own words, why they now love to read. Some of their replies are moving, others heartwarming, and more than a few are downright philosophical and wise beyond their years. But all are sure to put a smile on your face.
“I love reading because you can learn many things in a book. You can even learn how to build a hamster home!” –Kori, 7, Point Pleasant, WV
“I love to read because the pictures and stories help me to imagine that I am somewhere else!” –Nevaeh, 7, Landers, CA
“I like to read because there are new adventures all the time. Fiction is my favorite, because you can get inside the adventure.” –Brandon, 11, Lobelville, TN
“The more I read, the faster and better I can read. It helps me to get better grades.” –Orlando, 9, Shaw, MS
“Because my mama likes to read!” –Kayla, 8, Shaw, MS
“Reading lets me travel to awesome places in my imagination. That’s why I like to read.”—Nyla, 9, Foxworth, MS
“Reading is good for your mind.” –Dontavious, 9, Columbia, MS
“I love reading because it takes my mind to a different world.” –Macie, 10, Williston, SC
“I love to read because it helps me learn.” –Hayden, 8, Maury City, TN
“Reading can take you on exciting adventures.” –A.J., 8, Maury City, TN
“I want to be a veterinarian and reading is helping make my dreams come true! I already work at the zoo and reading has helped give me the knowledge I need to do my job well.” –Dedra, 16, Lobelville, TN (former student in Save the Children’s U.S. school-based program)
“I love reading, because if I read a book and I see the movie, for instance, Harry Potter, I can compare them. They usually leave out details and skip scenes in movies. Books have more details.” –Lauren, 11, Morongo Valley, CA
“I love to read books because it’s the only fun thing I can do.” –Patrick, 10, Morongo Valley, CA
“I read because Nana says I got to. It is fun and I learn my ABC’s from books.” –Emilee, 3, Jackson, KY
All photos taken by Save the Children staff.
Its a great article.
Posted by: Wireless headsets | 03/22/2012 at 07:23 PM
nice i like this to read like this. i love those people who like to help any one without any benefit.
Posted by: headsetzone | 02/07/2012 at 02:44 AM