 REACH works with families to teach literacy skills, as well as how to build reading into a hectic schedule. Our work is with families in homeless shelters, but you can use these tools as well, as a parent, teacher and caregiver and pass them on.
1. One of my favorite creative ways to keep children reading over the summer is to create your own Library Book Bingo. It’s a game board filled with author names, themes, and story settings that your child will use to help guide his book choice at the library. Once your child gets and reads a book from the bingo board, cross it off. When he gets five spaces in a row, choose a special reward for his hard work.
The treat could be anything from a pool toy to lunch at a favorite restaurant. Attached is a bingo board I created but feel free to make your own. Use authors that you know and love, and themes that your child will enjoy. If you live in a city, suggest reading a book that takes place on a farm. If you’re going on a vacation to a different state, suggest reading a book about that state. This activity is easily adaptable for many ages and interests. The point is to be creative and make it your own!
2. Audio books not only hold children’s attention but they also allow children to practice advance reading fluency and comprehension skills. Some websites like BookPals.com, RazKids.com and BookAdventure.com allows children to create their own book lists, take quizzes on the books they just read, and earn points and treasures for their literary successes!
3. Have your own SSnR (Snack Slack-n- Read). Block this time out every day. Whether it is right before bed, right before nap time, or right in the middle of the day to cool down from all the activities that summer can bring, this
needs to be an uninterrupted time where you and your child both can grab a snack, get comfortable and enjoy a good read. When your children get older, you can take time out as well with your own good book. It is a wonderful way to encourage your child to read while also modeling good reading habits yourself. When I was running a day camp, we did this every day as our “cool down” and it worked!
 Above is a sample “bingo card” of authors and subjects and types of books that is for young readers and parents to share. You can do ANYTHING! Take it with you to the library to search
and chose. Make a new card each trip!
Reading Enriches All Children (REACH) provides volunteer driven reading programs and new books to children living in thirteen shelters throughout South Hampton Roads. Since 1998, REACH has provided a weekly literacy building program to over 10,000 children. Each child receives two new books at each session and their parents are provided with educational resources to build a literacy rich home. REACH is breaking the cycle of illiteracy for local families. To volunteer or donate new or used books or make a much needed financial contribution, visit www.reachreads.org/donate now/ or call 757-627-4722.
REACH was awarded Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Tax Credits for individual or married residents of Virginia who make a minimum donation of $500, or Virginia businesses with a minimum donation of $1000. 40% will be credited to your VA State Tax Return.($500 = $200 tax credit, $1000=$400 tax credit.) Donations must be completed by June 30, 2012. You will receive the standard deduction on your VA and Federal Taxes along with a credit on your Virginia return. Call 757-627-4722 if you have questions about NAP Credits.
REACH Needs:
· Book runners to assist with the delivery and pick-
up of donated books for our programs.
· Readers for Read-Aloud Teams at various shelters throughout Southside Hampton Roads.
· New books or cash donations to purchase books for kids 0-18 (especially books that interest boys.)
· Gift cards to book stores, Michael’s and discount stores to purchase books and program supplies.
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