Kids Need To Read!

Early Literacy Matters

Early literacy matters for ALL children. The ability to read isn't just an education milestone – it's a predictor of lifelong success. Over half of Virginia’s students in kindergarten through second grade are at high to moderate risk of reading difficulties. Dedicating just 15 minutes a day to reading can change the trajectory of a child’s future.

Child reading at the New E3 School.

Read to Succeed

The Kids Need to Read campaign raises awareness around the fact that too many of our children cannot read proficiently by third grade, the first eight years are a critical time in language and literacy development, reaches families to provide early literacy activities to help their children at home and make sure every child and family has access to age-appropriate, high quality books to ignite a love of reading.

Need a book to read?

If you could use some inspiration, check out our list of book suggestions for different age groups. Happy reading!

Suggested Reading List

Children playing together at the New E3 School.

90% of a child’s brain is developed by the age of five. So make sure your little ones are reading, exploring, and having fun!

Activities + Tips for Families + Parents

E3 Resources

How Does A Child Become A Reader?

Families can help children build a strong foundation of language skills by turning everyday moments into learning.

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Here are a few tips to make learning + reading fun for your family.

Toddler Brain Boosters

These activities will help to boost your child’s language development, creativity and build early skills in math and reading.

Other Resources

Harvard Center on the Developing Child

Brain-Building Through Play: Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children

An invaluable resource for parents looking for fun activities to do with children of all ages.

Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Barbara Bush’s Family Reading Tips

Here's a collection of nine ways to get your little ones reading more!

UVA & Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP)

Resources for Families

A compiled list of fun activities to do with your kids, categorized by topic of learning interest.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Parent Resources for Kids Aged 0-5

A list of tips and resources for parents of young children to encourage good reading habits.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Imagination Library 2023 Book List

Blue Ribbon Selections for children born between 2018 - 2023 based on the year they were born.