Resources/Links

A report issued from the national Reading Panel that responded to congressional mandate to help parents, teachers and policymakers identify key skills central to reading achievement. One of the primary findings was the earlier the child learned letter recognition, the earlier interest in reading began. Click link to learn more:

Literacy study conducted by the US government

This is super fun for your kids to play with:



We Give Books is a new digital initiative that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online.We Give Books combines the joy of reading with the power of helping others, providing a platform for caregivers and educators to inspire children to become lifelong readers and lifelong givers. It helps some of the world's best, most inspiring, literacy organizations by spreading the word about their great work and by providing books to the young people these organizations support.

You have to check it out: www.wegivebooks.org

During their first five years, children develop the skills they need to succeed in school and life. 
About 80,000 children enter kindergarten in Washington state each year, and many lack basic language and behavioral skills—such as knowing letters and colors, following directions, getting along with others, and exhibiting impulse control. Unfortunately, when children start behind, they often stay behind, leading to an achievement gap in elementary school and beyond.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
       http://www.gatesfoundation.org/topics/Pages/early-learning.aspx