Read Across America Week is a time for activism
We love a good rhyme as much as the next person, but Read Across America Week is about so much more than pulling out your Dr. Seuss hat. It’s a chance to shine a light on the early literacy crisis and insist that our children not only celebrate books but can read them.
Our city, and nation, are facing a literacy crisis. Right now, over 60% of our children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade in Philadelphia. That’s thousands of children struggling in school, often feeling frustrated and ashamed. And likely to fall even further behind.
But we can change this.
This Read Across America Week in addition to storytimes and parties, make a point to better understand the early literacy crisis, those fighting it, and how to get involved. Here’s a list of resources to get you started.
Listen to Sold a Story
Expert reporter and storyteller, Emily Hanford, takes listeners on a deep dive into the early literacy crisis. Speaking with parents, children, educators, and experts, she spotlights a core reason why many students struggle to read: because many schools have not successfully taught them the skills to do so. Over six episodes, she uncovers how an idea about reading instruction proliferated in classrooms even though it was proven wrong by scientists decades ago.
Become a Reading Captain
In the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, community members are fighting the literacy crisis one conversation at a time. Philly's Reading Captains are volunteer literacy advocates who spread information, resources, and joy. All to ensure our children become the strong readers they deserve to be. Now, no one can capture the passion of Reading Captains quite like they can. So listen up. Because they have a message for you! For the best viewing experience, be sure to switch your YouTube settings to HD.
Apply to the Neighborhood Literacy Fund
We see the work you and so many other community leaders are doing to help young readers and their families. And we want to give it the funding it deserves.
The Neighborhood Literacy Fund supports community-driven solutions to the early literacy crisis by awarding up to $2,000 for projects that help grow Philadelphia’s young readers. The Neighborhood Literacy Fund was designed by and for local literacy advocates. And made possible by the generous support of Vanguard Strong Start for Kids.
Literacy advocates, educators, librarians, and powerful parents, apply today!
Join a discussion about Pennsylvania’s School Funding Lawsuit 3/9 ⚖️
In a landmark decision, a judge ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional. Join us for a conversation with attorney Dan Urevick-Ackelsberg about the fight for fair funding and what this historic ruling means for children in Pennsylvania.
MARCH 9, 2023 | 12:00 PM
Register today.
Watch a FREE virtual screening of The Right to Read 3/2-3/9 🎥
In celebration of National Reading Month, The Right to Read will be available to all audiences for FREE online for one week, and one week only!
This documentary shares the stories of an NAACP activist, Kareem Weaver, a teacher, and two families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.
Beginning March 2, 12:00 AM PT—National Read Across America Day—audiences can access the film on a virtual screening platform through March 9, 11:59PM PT.
Read how dyslexia became a social justice issue for black parents
Literacy is fundamentally about social justice. In a country plagued by chronic racism, where school funding models exacerbate disparities, and achievement gaps persist by design—reading is a right we can’t ignore. And while the early literacy crisis affects all students, Black and Brown students are even further behind. These facts are more than sobering, they’re enraging. Even more so when Dyslexia diagnoses and access to reading specialists enter the conversation. If you’re interested in education equity, racial justice, or the future of our children, than this is a must-read.
Learn more about Philly’s early literacy crisis and get resources to fight it!
Everyone has a role to play in growing stronger readers. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite partner resources and have made them public for all to use. We know that addressing the literacy crisis takes an open mind and heart. And a passion for exchanging ideas. So explore, share, and join the fight to protect every child’s right to read.