A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n
How to Support the America Reads Challenge
Each of us can help meet the goal of the America Reads Challenge through our personal and professional commitments. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure that every child reads well and independently:
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| Read to and with your child every day for 30 minutes. |
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| Talk with infants and young children to develop their language skills before they learn to read. |
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| Encourage children to read on their own, outside of school, to enhance their in-school performance. |
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| Set a good example for your children by reading newspapers, magazines and books. |
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| Read and write with your children in your native language. |
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| Restrict the amount and kind of TV your children watch; encourage viewing of educational programs. |
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| Make sure your child has a library card and uses it. |
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| Start a school-wide or community reading program. Invite volunteers to read and write with students at least once a week for 30 minutes. |
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| Encourage family members to get involved in teaching and learning reading skills and raising standards. |
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| Publish a multilingual school newsletter that suggests ways parents can support their children's development in reading and writing. |
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| Encourage parents, employees and customers to read and write with children. |
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| Develop a program to bring children to your work site for tutoring. |
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| Develop Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for newspapers, billboards, television and radio to help spread the message about the importance of reading. |
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| Become a learning partner or reading tutor to a child in your family or neighborhood. Volunteer to read with or to a child for 30 minutes, once each week for at least eight weeks. |
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| Encourage community businesses and non-profit organizations to help support community reading programs. |
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| Develop a monthly program at your library, school, community or religious center and invite seniors to discuss their oral histories with children. |
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| Encourage your staff or members to volunteer as tutors to read with children. Help train other volunteer tutors. |
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| Share books which you believe accurately teach children about the issues with which your organization is involved. Hold an essay writing contest for local children so they can share "How Reading Makes a Difference in My Life." |
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| Sign up for the America Reads Challenge Federal Work-Study program. Students benefit by providing community service while earning financial aid, and institutions benefit from the waiver of the 25 percent match. |
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| Offer training on how to become an effective reading partner to students, community members and parents who want to get involved. |
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| Provide space for local reading programs; sponsor an on-campus summer reading program for elementary school children. |
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AMERICA READS CHALLENGE AND RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF "SIMPLE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP A CHILD READ WELL AND INDEPENDENTLY"
CALL 1-800-USA-LEARN
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