"Raise a Reader" promoting early childhood literacy
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: October 22, 2012
Diving into a good book is nothing new for Alyssa Mittiga and her family.
So when she found out about the Raise a Reader program at the Dunham Public Library, it was only natural to get involved.
"I was excited about it because in the past when we come in we all take turns and pick out books. But the problem for me with four kids and each of them picking out at least 10 books, when you break them back you're missing some," said Mittiga.
The Raise a Reader program kicked off in the beginning of October to promote early literacy among children.
When people register, they are given a blue bag full of 10 books.
The goal is to keep track of how many books are read and trade them in after two weeks.
"What it is really is reading readiness. By sitting and reading out loud to your children, you're preparing them to learn to read," said the Children's Youth Services Librarian, Sharon Trodler.
"Every bit of research states that the more a child is read to, the more a child is engaged in family activities that revolve around reading, being read to, cooperative reading with parents," said Dunham Public Library Director, Judy Jerome.
And while the research proves that reading to children at an early age has it's benefits.
Alyssa has seen the results firsthand.
"My son knew when he started school about Abraham Lincoln because he already read about him. Things like that, that make when they start school and are attending school so much easier to understand," said Mittiga.
Anyone is welcome to register for the Raise a Reader Program.
All you have to do is go to the Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro.
So when she found out about the Raise a Reader program at the Dunham Public Library, it was only natural to get involved.
"I was excited about it because in the past when we come in we all take turns and pick out books. But the problem for me with four kids and each of them picking out at least 10 books, when you break them back you're missing some," said Mittiga.
The Raise a Reader program kicked off in the beginning of October to promote early literacy among children.
When people register, they are given a blue bag full of 10 books.
The goal is to keep track of how many books are read and trade them in after two weeks.
"What it is really is reading readiness. By sitting and reading out loud to your children, you're preparing them to learn to read," said the Children's Youth Services Librarian, Sharon Trodler.
"Every bit of research states that the more a child is read to, the more a child is engaged in family activities that revolve around reading, being read to, cooperative reading with parents," said Dunham Public Library Director, Judy Jerome.
And while the research proves that reading to children at an early age has it's benefits.
Alyssa has seen the results firsthand.
"My son knew when he started school about Abraham Lincoln because he already read about him. Things like that, that make when they start school and are attending school so much easier to understand," said Mittiga.
Anyone is welcome to register for the Raise a Reader Program.
All you have to do is go to the Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro.
