Ready for Reading is a research-based set of free programs, services and resources delivered by Toronto Public Library.
Increasingly, we’re recognizing the importance of information literacy, but even more fundamental to that is basic literacy itself.
Libraries and librarians are, of course, actively engaged in developing literacy across all populations. To that end, the American Library Association developed the research-based Every Child Ready to Read, on which the Toronto Public Library based their own Ready for Reading guide.
I’ve linked to the TPL’s page as it features more actual information, advice, and activities for parents and guardians, whereas the ALA program’s website is more advertisement aimed at librarians.
That being said, if you’re looking to encourage literacy in a young child and you’re in the US, check with your public library to see if they run the Every Child Ready to Read program there.
If you’re in Toronto, definitely check with your local branch. TPL’s guide is available for sale, but the library itself carries 78 copies, so if your branch doesn’t have one, you can get it sent over from another one.
What I, personally, especially like about these programs, is their emphasis on the notion that a child’s first and foremost teacher is their parents or guardians, no matter what their first language or level of education is. Carry out these activities in the language you’re most comfortable in.
