If reading aloud could change the world, how soon would you start?
Read Aloud. Transform their Future.
Since 1995, Read Aloud America has been on a mission to reawaken a love for reading in adults and children. In addition to community outreach and dynamic resources, our innovative program, the Read Aloud Program (RAP), brings the joy of reading aloud into the home, inspiring a desire to read and transforming families’ lives. Our unique approach has impacted over 350,000 adults and children. Because we believe that the joy of reading aloud is the key to building strong families, preparing successful students, and setting the stage for a promising future, we are committed to building a nation of lifetime readers.
Read Aloud. Transform their Future.
A Nation in Need
Can you imagine a future in which America is a nation of non-readers? That reality may not be far away. Present-day challenges signal a rally cry to get back to the fundamental activity that builds lifetime readers: reading aloud to children.
Limited resources
Across America, 20% of kids aged 5-8 don’t own their own books. In middle-income areas, the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, while in low-income areas, it’s 1:300. 61% of low-income families have no books for their kids.
Digital distractions
Most parents report that their children’s interactions with digital devices interfere with reading. Lack of interaction with printed books is damaging social interactions between parents and children.
Weakened home-school bridge
Rising tensions, over-burdened teachers, and restrictions brought on by COVID-19 have weakened the home-school bridge. As a result, parents and teachers struggle to fully meet children’s needs.
Struggling readers
80% of those living below the poverty level aren’t proficient readers by the end of third grade. Not only that, but 65% of American fourth graders don’t read at grade level. Reading aloud to young children can prevent or lessen such struggles.
Unprepared Kindergarteners
Data suggests that around 25% of caregivers never read to their children. Compared to these children, those whose parents read aloud 5 books per day hear 1.4 million more words by the time they reach Kindergarten.
Fewer graduates
Studies show that when children show low reading proficiency by the end of third grade, they are less likely to graduate high school. Reading aloud to young children strengthens reading proficiency, which then boosts graduation rates.
The Read Aloud America Solution
Reading aloud to children is proven to be the “single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading” (Becoming a Nation of Readers, 1985). If we want to change the current landscape and transform the future, then reading aloud must be part of the solution.
That’s why Read Aloud America is dedicated to supporting families’ abilities to make reading aloud a regular, joyful activity. We believe, and research supports, that reading aloud to children will cultivate lifetime readers and give promise to our nation’s future.
The fact is, when families read aloud together, they strengthen these fundamental building blocks for success in school – and in life:
Cognition
Language
Communication
Family Bonds
The Read Aloud Program
For over 20 years, Read Aloud America’s Read Aloud Program (RAP) has inspired lifetime readers and bonded families. RAP is a festive, school-based program that immerses families through the joy of reading. RAP is intentionally designed to put families at ease. Within a festive atmosphere, whole families enjoy interactive games and read aloud experiences. Because of RAP, not only are more families reading together, but more adults and children are reading independently, too.
Build Your Lifetime Reader
Free Resources
Colorful Graphics
Book Recommendations
Activity Suggestions
Education and Training
RAP Toolkit (coming 2024)
Experience the Joy of Reading Aloud
Each month, we explore a new topic to help parents experience the joy of reading aloud with their kids. Whether we take a deep dive on tips for encouraging reluctant readers, announce new studies, or review wonderful books, we are dedicated to providing parents, teachers, and advocates the best information available, so that we all can work together to transform our kids’ futures through reading aloud.
Does My Kid Need to Read Faster?
As parents, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of educational expectations and benchmarks. In over 20 years, we’ve had the pleasure to talk with hundreds of thousands of parents, who all want the best for their kids. And, we often get the question: “Does my kid need to
How to Raise a Lifetime Reader
As parents, you hold the power to shape your child’s future in countless ways. One of the best things you can do for your child is inspire a love of reading. You might be wondering how to get started so you can raise a lifetime reader. The journey begins right
Beyond Test Scores: Why You Should Read Aloud to Children
In an era of technological advancements and shifting educational priorities, there remains a timeless practice that holds the key to nurturing both family bonds and the future of America: reading aloud to children. Read Aloud America has been at the forefront of this approach, focusing not on test scores or
For the Love of Reading
