Reading
Research has shown that having books in the home can boost child literacy. In addition to increase in literacy, reading to children strengthens their parent-child, connection, builds protective factors, and helps to foster healthy child development. Below are some examples of how reading with children can increase the Five Strengths for families:
Parenting as children grow: reading and talking about books is a fun way for a parents and children to spend quality time together and connect.
Helping kids understand feelings: reading helps children to understand and talk about their own feelings and also better understand how others feel.
Building inner strength: reading helps children process their experiences, build confidence, and understand the world better.
Connecting with others: sharing stories helps children build relationships and relate with other children.
Knowing how to find help: stories can help parents talk to their children about common problems, who to ask for help and even introduce problem-solving techniques they can practice personally.
Strengthening Families through Reading
Congratulations to the six agencies receiving funding for a book distribution project. The Foundation issued a one-time competitive funding opportunity to implementing a new initiative that would provide books to families with young children and encourages parents to read to their children. Research has shown that having books in the home can boost child literacy. In addition to increasing literacy, when parents or caregivers read to their children it boosts their parent-child connection, builds protective factors, and helps to foster healthy child development.
Agencies awarded requested grant amount:
Bay View Community Center
Early Literacy Coalition of the Greater Chippewa Valley
Family Resource Center of Iowa County, Inc.
Northwest Connection Family Resource
Two additional agencies were awarded $1,100:
Children's Service Society of Wisconsin
Indianhead Community Action Agency