Low literacy affects all aspects of a person’s life, and can limit the well being of families for generations. Parents who cannot read are more likely to have children who have poor reading abilities. A child who fails to read well in early grades may never catch up to their peers and is 5x more likely to fail in school.
In the United States
• 1 in 4 children grow up without learning how to read.
• 68% of fourth graders read below grade level
• In low income neighborhoods, the ratio of age appropriate books is 1 per 300 children
• 80% of preschool & after-school programs in low income areas have no age-appropriate books
In NY State
• In Wayne County, 15% of adults lack basic literacy skills.
• Adults reading at a 5th grade level are considered functionally illiterate. 57% of Rochester residents aged 16 years+ read at a 6th grade level.
• Rochester is the 5th poorest city in the country.
Research shows that:
• Books contain 50% more words than what children frequently encounter in regular conversation, TV and radio
• Young children whose parents read aloud to them have better language and literacy skills when they enter school
• Children who are read to at least 3 times a week by a family member are twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading
• Literacy leads to numeracy and computer skills which are keys to sustainable employment now and into the future
• The ability to read leads to wider choices of employment, housing and making informed health related decisions
The immediate goal of the Read Along Road Series is to support the development of family literacy skills by not only providing access to age appropriate reading materials, but also by modeling how reading aloud is done in a fun and welcoming video.
Family bonding time is expanded into a natural learning opportunity to enhance and expand vocabulary, which is crucial to expanding access for our most vulnerable families.
A diverse and experienced group of professional teaching artists, performers and musicians offer a warm welcome to emerging readers both young and old, while modeling positive reading practices.
Literacy experts at Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County, professionally trained storytellers from Teaching Artists ROC and supporting experts in Early Childhood Reading developed this format.
The series will feature a thoughtful collection of both familiar and previously untold stories that reflect the diversity of our online neighborhood audience.
Gretchen, one of the founders of Read Along Road, shared this family photo at an early meeting. We want every family to have memories like this.
Conversations began in the fall of 2020 between Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County & Teaching Artists ROC to focus on possible solutions to several COVID related issues. From those early meetings the idea to create meaningful, enriching and educational reading videos took hold.
The missions of these organizations blend well to support this particular project. Each organization shares a respective history, understanding of and dedication to education for all people no matter the circumstances. This has made the collaboration a strong team effort towards reaching the goal of producing a series of quality educational “How To Read” videos.
If you have ever had a love affair with a favorite book, been sad to finish reading a story, or had next day exhaustion from staying up too late to finish a plot that drew you in ... then you know all too well the magic that goes into the world of storytelling. Each of these carefully curated works requires a talented author, illustrators, animators, a unique storyteller, musicians to bring the words to life, countless editing and creative hours to bring all those pieces together in one seamless work of art. It won't surprise you to learn that with so many creative experts working behind the scenes, it takes over 150 hours to produce and $30,000 to bring just one of these amazing books to your learning space.
Make your credit card donation on-line now or call the office at 315-946-5333.
Mail your check or money order to:
Literacy Volunteers of Wayne County
PO Box 408
12 Canal Street
Lyons, NY 14489
If you or your organization would like to help us on a larger scale by sponsoring a complete book, helping us with several books, or have other ideas of how you can provide greater support, please let us know. We'd love to talk to you. Together, we can have even greater impact.
"I was happy to learn that future videos will include other diverse storytellers and musicians. Additionally, the video animation and pacing of the story were very well developed for use with emergent readers."
"We believe the educational and enrichment impacts of Read Along Road are exponential and long term."
"Mommy, can we read the piggy book again?"