Reading is
a foundation for learning, yet a vast gap exists in access to books for
low-income neighborhoods.
According to the Handbook of Literacy Research, in
low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is just one
age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Without books in the home,
children lack the opportunity to practice reading skills and are exposed to
fewer opportunities to build their vocabularies.
While
these limitations can hinder personal performance, multiple studies correlate
low literacy rates with social concerns like elevated drop-out rates, reliance
on welfare programs and criminal activity.
Literacy
is a cause that affects the community as a whole. Learn how you can champion
literacy in your community with these tips:
Give Books
to Children
The joy of
receiving and opening a gift is exciting in its own right, but a book is a gift
that keeps giving. You can make a book gift extra special by choosing a topic
or theme that has special meaning, such as a place you’d like to visit together
or a beloved character you enjoy incorporating into your make-believe playtime
with the child. As a bonus, if it’s age appropriate, read the book together for
the first time so it always carries a special memory.
Visit the
Library
Libraries
can be awe-inspiring places for kids. The wall-to-wall books represent
thousands of possibilities. With so many options to choose from, you can
introduce children to the delight of discovering different genres, enchanting
topics and favorite authors who keep you coming back for more.
When
children have their own library cards, they can practice the grown-up process
of checking out and caring for books. What’s more, honoring due dates helps
teach responsibility. Marking that date on the calendar is a fun way to build
anticipation toward the next visit.
READ MORE: Libraries in the Hudson Valley
Support
Organizations That Promote Literacy
Conducting
your business with companies that share your commitment to literacy is a way to
inspire reading on a larger scale. One example is The UPS Store, which created
the Toys for Tots Literacy Program in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots
Foundation to provide disadvantaged children with direct access to books and educational
resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. You
can donate at participating locations or contribute online.
Create
Reading-Inspired Traditions
Children
thrive on routines and rituals, and incorporating books into special moments
can be an especially effective way to establish positive connections with books
and the joy of reading. At home, traditions might be as simple as bedtime
stories or reading parties where the whole family dons pajamas early and
gathers in a room to read together, whether quietly or out loud. You can also
tie reading traditions to special celebrations, like reading a favorite story
together before heading to bed on the eve of a birthday or holiday.
Participate
in Events Supporting Literacy
Show your
support by attending and participating in events that showcase the importance
of reading. Examples might include book fairs and fundraisers for literacy
programs in your community. You can also look into programs offered through
your local library and community center. If you find a shortage of events in
your area, consider creating one of your own, such as visiting a local senior
living center and reading to residents or hosting a book swap or book club with
your friends and neighbors.
Encourage
Kids to Get Hands-On
Reading a
book is one way to demonstrate literacy, but kids can also develop a love for
reading and put their comprehension skills into practice by adapting their
favorite stories for playtime. That might mean acting out a different ending
for a favorite story or drawing a picture from a scene they remember best. You
can also promote literacy by encouraging kids to write songs or their own short
stories, which they can illustrate for a finished book to share with others.
Start a Neighborhood
Library
Recognizing
not all kids have access to books at home, you can help promote an interest in
reading by creating a mini library within your neighborhood. Create a small
structure that will protect books from the elements and spread the word that
the contents are free for the taking. Encourage users to return books when
they’re done so another child can enjoy them and invite neighbors to donate
their gently used books to help fill your library.
Model Good
Reading Habits for Kids
Children learn
from the examples set by trusted grown-ups. Sharing your love of reading with a
child demonstrates you value learning and education. You can encourage children
to mimic your interest in reading by sharing stories about the books you
enjoyed most when you were their age and choosing to spend quiet time reading
together in place of screen time.
For more
tips and information on how you can support literacy, visit theupsstore.com/literacy.
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