Kids Need To Read!
EARLY LITERACY MATTERS FOR ALL CHILDREN
Too many of our children cannot read by third grade. In fact, over half of Virginia’s students in kindergarten through second grade are at high to moderate risk of reading difficulties. The reading network doesn’t naturally exist: it must be built. The early years are a critical time in language and literacy development. EVERY child deserves to read by third grade.
Read to Succeed
Our local communities, state and country are in the midst of a reading crisis. When children don’t have a strong foundation in literacy skills, they will struggle in K-12, higher education, the workforce and life. If a child is not reading by third grade, they are 4x more likely to drop out of high school.
Need a book to read?
Check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 2024 book list here.
About the Campaign
The Kids Need to Read campaign raises awareness around the fact that too many of our children cannot read proficiently by third grade. The campaign content and data will be targeted and tailored by region and market. The campaign:
- Raises awareness to educate, inform and create urgency around the reading crisis in our communities and Virginia.
- Builds the Kids Need to Read Coalition and strategic partnerships to support E3’s literacy initiatives.
- Grows Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of VA to provide more children and families with age-appropriate, quality books and activities.
- Activates families to provide early literacy and read aloud activities for families to help children at home.
Join us to be part of the Kids Need to Read Coalition.
Campaign Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Today’s struggling students are tomorrow’s workforce. Become a sponsor today.