A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

America Reads Challenge Resource Kit

What is READ*WRITE*NOW! 
and How Does It Fit into the
America Reads Challenge?

READ*WRITE*NOW! is a research-based community reading initiative that encourages students to read and write at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week.  On at least one of those days, children read with a learning partner or tutor.  The tutor follows up the reading session by working with the child on specific reading skills that have been identified by the child’s teacher, a reading specialist, or a trained tutor. READ*WRITE*NOW! activity booklets also provide activities to develop specific reading skills.  Children are encouraged to learn one new vocabulary word a week and to get a library card.

This initiative was developed in 1995 by Secretary Richard Riley, with the help of reading researchers and practitioners, and more than 75 national education, literacy, community, and religious organizations.  In 1997, President Clinton developed the America Reads Challenge, which urges all Americans to do their part to help all children become good readers.  READ*WRITE*NOW! comes under the umbrella of the America Reads Challenge.  Today, more than 300 organizations have accepted the challenge by joining the President’s Coalition for the America Reads Challenge.  Millions of children and families are now participating in this initiative through community-initiated programs that match volunteer tutors with students who need help in reading.

Free READ*WRITE*NOW! materials for children, families, caregivers, learning partners, and tutors are available through the U.S. Department of Education’s web page (http:www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/) and through its toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN number as long as supplies last. Free READ*WRITE*NOW! materials for children, families, caregivers, learning partners, and tutors are available through the U.S. Department of Education's web page (http://www.ed.gov/americareads/) and through its toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN number as long as supplies last. Materials include a FREE colorful poster with fun literary activities that is available in English and Spanish and the Read*Write*Now Basic Kit that includes fun reading and writing activities, a vocabulary log, and a certificate of accomplishment.

[America Reads Challenge] The President's America Reads Challenge