October 2007

Why early literacy?

Reading and writing are critical skills for success in school, yet for many children these skills do not come easily. Children are not expected to be reading by the time they enter kindergarten, but they do need a strong learning foundation on which to build. The more they have been exposed to books and words prior to school, the better.  

One way United Way of King County promotes early literacy—what children know about books and words before they can actually read and write—is through its Volunteer Reader Program, which uses a proven method to help young children develop reading skills, as well as other skills important to school success, such as being able to listen and comprehend what is said and interact with others in a positive way.  

“We’ve mobilized more than 100 volunteers from the business community to read aloud to young children every week in preschools, Head Start centers, and child care centers throughout our community,” says Isidro Rodriguez, coordinator for the Volunteer Reader Program. “Spending one-on-one time with our Volunteer Readers is particularly useful for those children who speak English as a second language or whose parents are not able to or do not read to them on a regular basis.”  

The Volunteer Reader Program is just one part of United Way of King County’s larger strategy to improve outcomes for children.  

• Learn about the developmental milestones of early literacy.
• Promote early literacy by sharing stories.
• Sign up to be a Volunteer Reader.
• See which books we use for our Volunteer Reader Library.
• Watch a public service announcement on children’s literacy, sponsored by United Way and the National Football League (NFL)

Together we have the ability to change our community
for the better in fundamental, lasting ways.

For more information on why United Way of King County cares so much about kids and what we're doing to promote early learning in our community, visit our web site. If you have specific questions or needs pertaining to early learning, please contact earlylearning@uwkc.org

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