Celebrate National Reading Month
One way to conquer poverty is through literacy. That’s why The Children’s Center is celebrating National Reading Month by encouraging literacy. The lack of access children in urban communities have to books is shocking: Only half of the children in Detroit come to Kindergarten having met the “ready to learn” standards like knowing how to count and knowing colors, shapes, the orientation of a book and how to write their name.
Also, a child who is not at the appropriate reading level by third grade and is living in poverty only has a 10% chance of graduating high school and going to college.
In response to this, we are sharing ways to encourage reading in this community.
Donate Books to The Children’s Center
The Children’s Center accepts donations of new and gently used children’s books. These in turn are shared with our families and allow greater access to reading opportunities for the children we serve. Books can be donated to The Children’s Center here: Building 90, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Read to Someone
Many classrooms and retirement facilities welcome volunteers to read to students and residents. Another option is the Macomb Literacy Partners. This organization pairs volunteers with adults who need help with reading and writing. It is a chance to give the gift of literacy. Also, The Children’s Center Head Start Academy celebrated Read With Me week in March, where guest readers shared stories with children ages 3-5.
Borrow a lesson from the WDIV/Local 4 team playbook: Members of their team read to classrooms around Detroit in March.
Visit Your Local Library
There is no better way to celebrate reading than a visit to your local library. The Detroit Public Library offers many programs, not to mention books and movies for every age and personality. They also offer plenty of events to celebrate reading, including pre-school story times, teen events at the new Hype Teen Center and live music at this month’s jazz series. Take a look at the full calendar of events!
Donate or Volunteer
The Children Center is dedicated to improving the lives of children and helping them in all aspects — including literacy. Why not volunteer or donate to help us in this goal? For more information on how you can help heal children and heal Detroit, contact us at 313.831.5535 or email philanthropy@childrensctr.net.
The library is another place to volunteer and donate to make a difference and encourage reading. Learn how you can volunteer at the Detroit Public Library.
Family Story Time
One of the best ways to encourage literacy is by sharing a love of reading in your own home. Hold a weekly family story time and let each family member share a favorite book or story.
We hope you will enjoy the month of March by celebrating reading! For more great ideas and information follow us on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
