Nurturing children's love of books

In the past, it was widely accepted that reading instruction only happened once a child began formal schooling. However, experts now know brain development and the acquisition of language begin at birth, and early language and literacy experiences have a direct and profound impact on a child's ability to read. Because so much of this early experience happens at home, the challenge then becomes finding ways to encourage and enable all families to share the love of books and reading with their children.

Raising A Reader (RAR) is doing just that. Raising A Reader is a program designed to encourage low-income parents with limited literacy and/or English skills to read and to share the book experience with their young children by establishing a reading routine that enhances their children's vocabulary, pre-literacy skills and family bonding time.

The program provides bright red bags filled with award-winning books to children on a weekly basis, exposing children to over 100 books per program year. In addition, parents and caregivers are trained in ways to engage in book sharing with their children, building their own love of books, reading and storytelling. The program also includes a component which connects families to their local public libraries, encouraging families to check out books on a routine basis and access additional resources and support.

One of the most important concepts that RAR highlights for school success is engaging children through book sharing. Book sharing refers to the interaction with a book that occurs between a caring adult - such as a parent or caregiver - and a child. This concept of sharing includes much more than the simple act of reading the story. Book sharing promotes healthy brain development, increases literacy skills and facilitates parent-child bonding.

Gabrielle E. Miller, Ed.D., national executive director of the Raising A Reader program, explains that, "The simple habit of reading to a child is one of the most powerful ways to help that child become successful in life."

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