ABOUT
WHY?
It all begins with an idea. This idea was one that came out of necessity. After taking a look at Philadelphia’s strikingly low literacy rates and seeing how dire they were, The Reading Trust was founded with these stats in mind. Our team strongly believes that cultivating literacy skills in Philadelphia’s youth will make a massive impact for equal opportunities. Overall, we strive to see real change in the current reality that is low literacy in Philadelphia.
WHO?
Driven by a shared commitment to fostering a love for reading in Philadelphia’s children, a group of individuals, including avid readers, teachers, librarians, and advocates, joined Téa in making The Reading Trust. Their collective goal is to address the critical issue of low literacy rates and make a lasting impact on the lives of children in the Philadelphia area. Drawing from their diverse experiences and recognizing the challenges faced by young learners, they are determined to break down barriers to literacy and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and beyond. Witnessing the transformative power of literacy, they are steadfast in their mission to bridge gaps in reading proficiency and promote a lifelong passion for books and learning. Through innovative programs, community engagement, and a shared sense of purpose, they aspire to create a brighter future for the children they serve, where literacy becomes a pathway to success and equal opportunities for all.
WHAT?
Read-alouds are a key part of The Reading Trust’s program. According to a study done by University of Michigan Health, reading aloud is a crucial practice for fostering essential literacy skills in children. Through this activity, children develop phonemic awareness, which involves recognizing and manipulating individual sounds in spoken words, laying the foundation for successful reading. Through exposing children to a rich variety of vocabulary during reading sessions, they expand their word knowledge, ultimately enhancing their ability to communicate effectively. Reading aloud can also develop reading comprehension as children gain a deeper understanding and meaning from the texts they encounter. Finally, when reading aloud becomes habit in a child’s life, it is a powerful tool that nurtures various aspects of literacy, empowering children to become confident, skilled, and enthusiastic readers.
Our mission is to foster a love of reading in children of all ages, through read alouds and reading resources.
“I always felt, if I could get to a library, I’ll be ok.”
— Maya Angelou
