Raising a Reader

Each week this program provides preschool students across the county and low-income families with a fresh set of award-winning children’s books packed into bright red bags. This creative “rotating book bag” creates a home-school connection that engages parents as participating partners in their child’s reading development.

THE RESEARCH IS CLEAR: WHEN FAMILIES ARE INVOLVED, CHILDREN’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IMPROVES.

The mission of Raising a Reader is to engage caregivers in a routine of book sharing with their children from birth through age eight to foster healthy brain development, healthy relationships, a love of reading, and the literacy skills critical for school success.

THEORY OF CHANGE

Raising A Reader’s Theory of Change is simple. We believe that if…

1. Children drive the process and the Red Book Bag and books become a favorite toy;

2. Program Implementers learn how to train parents in “read aloud” strategies and early brain development;

3. The book bag delivery system is turnkey: a simple sustainable routine that is easily managed in a number of diverse settings;

4. Parents learn and engage in “read aloud” strategies and develop a regular book sharing routine with their children;

5. Families get to know and use their local library;

Then, children will benefit from healthy brain development, family bonding, and increased literacy skills–all proven elements for lifetime success! Children will enter school with a love of books and will be motivated and ready to learn.