Read First! Towns Chosen
By Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist
MHC launched our Read First! project early in June with the
announcement of ten communities that will focus their attention and efforts
on increasing the number of children being read to by parents and other adults. The
project grew out of conversations about what it would take to change the way
family reading is valued in a community. How could we capture the attention
of everyone in the community, spread information and ideas about family reading,
and reach even those families who do not usually participate in reading or
book-based activities?
Is it even possible?
I have to say, after meeting the representatives from our ten Read First! communities, the answer is a resounding YES. Committee members from the ten communities gathered this week to learn more about planning and implementing a Read First! month in their towns and counties. The representatives came from a variety of occupations, but all had in common the desire to improve their communities through the sharing of stories and books. They shared the hopes they had for their communities, and identified the challenges they might face.
The Read First! Orientation was busy and productive! Brainstorming brought forth many creative ideas for a Read First! Kick-off event that would create a buzz about books and story-sharing in each town. Enthusiasm grew as we looked at an assortment of flyers, bookmarks, and other promotional materials specially created for Read First! project. Storyteller and READ from the START Discussion Leader Blake Travis wrapped us in a wonderful story that illustrated how each of us can make a difference by sharing our knowledge and passion with others. Annette Harrison, also a gifted storyteller and READ from the START Discussion Leader, gave the group a taste of a READ from the START workshop as she led us through Good Night Moon. The group discussed the “nuts and bolts” of Read First! and learned how to successfully manage a month full of Read First! activities.
So, what exactly will it take to change the way family reading is valued in a community? First and foremost, I believe it takes a group of dedicated people in a community who are willing to take on the task with creativity and enthusiasm. Just look at the people brainstorming in the picture below, and you know something exciting is going to happen!
Congratulations
again to our ten Read
First! Communities: Butler
County, Cuba, LaPlata, Macon, Marion County, Moberly, Mountain View, Savannah,
Tarkio, and Washington!
(For more information about Read First!, please visit www.readfromthestart.org )
