Learning to read is a powerful skill and can directly impact the brain development of our youngest community members. According to strongstart.ca, by age three children in low-income homes will have heard ⅓ as many words as children in middle-to-high income homes.
The CUPS Child Development Centre is working hard to increase the literacy level for their students through a unique partnership with Calgary Reads.
During Spring 2021, Calgary Reads and their supporters generously donated 16 chromebooks, along with headphones and book bags, to the CUPS Kindergarten class. Every Tuesday, a Wee Read volunteer read stories and did literacy activities from the provided books via Zoom. A 12-week program, our young children were exposed to more words, more opportunities and more literacy with this learning opportunity that was directly a result of our generous community.
We know from research that the more young children — right from birth! — are exposed to books and reading, the better they will be prepared for school and success later in life. They will have an increased vocabulary and learning to read will be easier down the road.
Thanks to Calgary Reads and everyone in the community who supports the incredible Wee Read program!