Reading with my kids (and then watching them read to each other) has been one of my greatest parenting joys. Each of my children has found books and stories that make them laugh and ask questions and provide inspiration. Reading has set them up for success in school and for hours of non-screen entertainment. Elephant and Piggie, Garfield, the I Survived series? Each has opened up a world of characters, events and ideas for my kiddos.
Books are a fundamental basic need for children. During regular, non-pandemic times, there are thousands of kids in Washington who don't have access to books in their homes. Now, with so many kids accessing school online, these children don't have access even to their school libraries. All children deserve access to books. It is up to us to help.
Page Ahead is at the forefront of providing new books to children in Washington. Our largest program, Book Up Summer, gives students in kindergarten through second grade their choice of 12 books to keep just prior to summer break. Why is it important to give the kids the opportunity to choose their own books? Because it allows them to pick something that they want to read! In this way, kids who might not otherwise have access to books in their homes will have 12 books to keep, read and share with their siblings and parents. By the end of second grade, they will have 36 books -- their own library! Providing books to kids prior to summer is essential, as it helps reduce "summer slide" or learning loss. This, in turn, helps to reduce the achievement gap between kids growing up in poverty and their more affluent peers.
Want to help all children in our state read? Join the Page Ahead team. We fight every day for children, learning and equity. Please donate today so that we can continue this vital work.