Literacy is typically thought of as the ability to read and write, but experts say it’s a much broader skill set, encompassing vocabulary, storytelling and more. We look at early childhood literacy and what’s being done in Vermont to get children ready to read, write and communicate well before they reach school age.
Lacking in these skills can have serious implications on future success. A national study commissioned by the Annie E. Casey Foundation found that children who aren’t proficient by third grade are four times less likely to graduate from high school.
Erika Nichols-Frazer, communications manager of the Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF), and Cass Mabbott, youth services consultant for the Vermont Department of Libraries, join us to discuss what can be done to combat this problem.
Resources:
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library — A national program that mails a free book to your child once a month until the child reaches five years old.
Every Child Ready to Read @ your library — A parent and caregiver education initiative available at public libraries that teaches adults how to support early literacy development
Read With Me - A program by the Vermont Humanities Council which offers workshops for parents and guardians for children from birth to age six that teaches how to pick age-appropriate books and how to engage in conversations about books with your kids.
Never Too Early - Another program by the Vermont Humanities Council that offers training sessions to childcare providers about children's language and early literacy development.
Better World Books - A website that sells used library books and donated books at discounted prices. A percentage of their profits are donated to literacy programs around the world.
Broadcast live on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.
