Books for At-Risk Children in North Carolina

Summary

This special project will encourage family engagement through book sharing. Evidence shows that the earlier children are introduced to books, the more likely they are to be lifelong readers. These funds will be used to provide books to children from birth to four years of age who have minimal exposure to literacy experiences.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Brunswick County's Poverty Level is 22%, 28% of adults read below 8th grade level, and 12% lack basic literacy skills. It is a struggle for many families to support their children's learning. These children lack exposure to educational and developmental opportunities putting them at risk for failure.

How will this project solve this problem?

Bringing books into the home and encouraging parents to read to their children, makes for a better parent, role model and children who are better prepared for school.

Potential Long Term Impact

Research shows that if families can provide quality early childhood development, then children will start school ready to learn. If children start school ready to learn, they are more likely to read at grade level by third grade. If children read at grade level by third grade, they are more likely to graduate from high school. If children graduate from high school, they are more likely to go on to higher education and/or enter the job market.

Project Message

"A nurturing moment with a book between a parent and child helps to build the architecture of the child's brain."
- Renea Arnold, The Library Foundation, Spring 2010

Resources

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