Raising a Reader promotes early literacy skills by engaging lower-income families in a shared reading program that increases their children’s access and exposure to books.
Families participate in a rotating book bag program that circulates approximately 100 different children’s books into each home per year.
Children participate in interactive classroom-based storytimes that nurture excitement about books and a love of reading.
Parents receive resources and training to build their skills in interactive reading techniques, supporting dual-language learners, and establishing a home reading routine.
During the past year PSP has served over 1300 children and their families through RAR. Over 75% of participating families speak a language other than English at home. PSP has also trained 15 parents as raising a reader ambassadors who lead storytimes/extension activities in their communities. Evaluation of the RAR program this past year showed a significant increase in the number of families who have a regular routine for looking at books with their children. Parents and children alike were also found to be more active participants in story times at home, with children more involved in telling the story and “reading” to their parents and parents asking children more questions to engage them in the story