The United States is facing a literacy crisis. Right now, 63% of fourth graders are reading below grade level. Sadly, children who aren’t reading at grade level by the third grade are 4 times more likely to drop out of high school, limiting their life opportunities.

Increasing familiarity with books and language early in a child’s life can help address the literary crisis. Parents, together with high-quality early childhood education, can help improve kindergarten readiness and set kids on a path to be strong readers.

Unfortunately, finding high-quality early learning programs, like child care, will likely become even harder.

Due to COVID-19, many child care centers must temporarily close. Many are faced with the real fear that they may not be able to open again when the virus subsides. If fewer children are able to access quality child care, our nation’s low literacy rates are likely to decline even more. 

To celebrate the importance of reading and encourage candidates during this election year to address the need to rebuild our nation’s child care infrastructure, we are hosting Readers Make Leaders events online.

Our virtual Readers Make Leaders events will involve parents and young children fun and engaging activities – all from the comfort and safety of their homes. The events will also provide parents with an opportunity to engage in the vital work of expanding early learning opportunities for all kids.

This online toolkit provides you with the tools you need to host an engaging event in your community!  

A good event takes good planning.

 Download our worksheet to create your community’s plan for a well-attended and engaging reading event!

PDF

Factsheet: The U.S. Faces a Literacy Crisis.
COVID-19 Could Make it Worse.  

“If I Were President” kids’ activity sheet

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“I vote” badge craft activity for kids

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Build your own bookmark
Let kids’ creativity shine!
They will love coloring and designing their own bookmark. 

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Reading list for parents

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Read a Story, Change Their Story
Save the Children is encouraging parents and children to read and record their minutes.
More minutes = more books and materials donated to children across the U.S.!

Get social with our social media toolkit

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Readers Make Leaders Sample LTE (PDF)

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Readers Make Leaders Sample LTE (Word Document)