Read it LOUD! is a national early literacy outreach campaign under the aegis of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the Read it LOUD! Foundation and supported by an unprecedented coalition of public and private sector companies, affinity organizations, literacy and early childhood experts and caring individuals.
Early literacy development is key to a child’s success in school and in life. It has been proven that the simple, and mutually enjoyable, act of reading aloud to a child on a regular basis during the most formative years (0 to 6) will increase reading and learning abilities and capabilities.
This means that reading aloud to a child for 10 minutes a day can truly make a difference in their lives …and that is what Read it LOUD! is asking parents and all caregivers to do.
Our Mission:
- To help close the literacy gap by motivating parents to read aloud to their children and…where needed…providing them the books and support to do so.
Our Purpose:
- To raise awareness of the value and benefits of reading aloud.
- To motivate and incentivize parents and caregivers to give their children the precious gift of a brighter future by reading aloud to them.
- To be the catalyst for kids to reach their maximum potential and develop their capabilities to the fullest.
- To directly address what U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan calls “a tragedy” – the fact that “a substantial achievement gap that exists in America before children ever arrive for their first day of kindergarten."
Proven Value & Benefits of Reading Aloud:
- Increases “language acquisition and literacy development, leading to better achievement in reading comprehension and overall success in school”
- Stimulates the imagination, creativity and curiosity.
- Develops a positive attitude toward reading and learning; a prerequisite for academic success.
- Creates a special bond that lasts a lifetime.
Why Reading Aloud Matters:
- “The single most important activity for building knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children.” Department of Education’s Commission on Reading
- It has been proven that competency in literacy (ability to read, write and communicate) is not only a major determinant of a child's success in school, but also in life.
- Studies have shown that preschoolers who have frequent read–aloud time with their parents developed a strong foundation for learning and greater language skills that led to higher reading, spelling and IQ scores.