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The Problem:
America’s students are at risk for literacy issues that can be carried into adulthood. These issues incorporate the basic building blocks for reading, such as, the motivation to read, language skills and print awareness. Children from low income families, ethnic minority groups and English- language learners are at the highest risk for lacking the fundamental tools that provide these building blocks. The 2007 Nation’s Report Card documented that Rhode Island students have not made any significant progress in reading since 1992. In fact, only 31% of Rhode Island’s 4th grade students were at or above proficient reading level, while 68% are at basic or below basic level. While the nation overall made minor progress from 2005 to 2007, America cannot be a leader in global advancements with the children of our future reading at a basic or below average level.
The Research:
Over the past 100 years teachers, parents and communities have been searching for the best ways to build strong foundations in literacy. Findings have shown that exposure to books at a very young age provides, not only familiarity to the alphabet but also enhanced comprehension, oral language skills and increased motivation to read. While reading stories, for instance, children use literature to make connections and comparisons, providing them with a perspective that may exceed the boundaries of their immediate experience. (Wolf, S.A. & Heath, S.B. (1992). The braid of literature: Children’s world of reading. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.) Exposure to a multitude of books helps children with print awareness and the concept of print. According to the 2000 Nation’s Report Card children have a multitude of books if there are more than 25 books in their home. The Early Literacy Panel that was developed by the federal government to study the results of the Nation’s Report Card, proved through research that children’s oral language skills and print awareness were enhanced by book sharing and parent programs. This research encourages parents, teachers and communities to continue to find ways to promote excitement about reading and motivate children to read more.
Books Are Wings Response to Need:
Books Are Wings is proud to be a part of helping children with the fundamental steps of literacy. At our unique book parties we read stories and discuss literature to enhance children’s oral language skills. The literacy activities such as making books marks and story boards encourage writing to reinforce print concepts and awareness.
The two or three free books we give to children to bring to their homes are there to stay and not to be returned enforce rereading of text. Research has proven that children are better readers when they have daily experiences with repeated books. It is critical for developing readers to read and repeat reading the same text for text processing strategies, fluency, study skills and rereading for the writing process. We write the children's ‘names in the books on our bookplates to show ownership. By providing children of with books of their own, Books Are Wings supports low income, ethnic minority and English- language learner’s families, communities and educational leaders with tools needed in their homes to continue ongoing literacy efforts.