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The first eight years of life lay the groundwork for later learning. Research shows that a strong foundation in reading, math and writing prepares children for K-12 , higher education and, ultimately, the workforce.   The early years  are a crucial time for cognitive, language, literacy and social-emotional development. Before a child gets on that […]

As a business leader and retired CEO of Sentara, I have seen firsthand what happens when we push students through an educational system without the skills they need to succeed. Today, 40% of Virginia’s third graders cannot read. When students cannot read, they cannot learn. They will struggle in school, the workforce and life. They […]

There is a reading crisis in Virginia. 40% of Virginia students cannot read proficiently by third grade—it is even worse in some communities.  Reading is a predictor of academic and life success. When our kids cannot read, they will struggle in K-12, higher education, the workforce and life. The single most important factor influencing a […]

Dear Kids Need to Read Coalition, Reading scores are slipping across the nation and Virginia. Now more than ever, WE have to pull every lever we can to help our children read by third grade. It is going to take a laser-like focus to solve the reading crisis and secure public-private investment year after year. […]

Support equitable access to books and funding to expand Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Virginia The $4.6 million biennium budget request will make Imagination Library books available to all children from birth to age 5 in Virginia. This provides a 50% match funding for books and mailing for all local programs, and it also provides […]

We are incredibly thankful to each and every one of you for helping us make literacy a top priority. 40% of our third graders cannot read proficiently. We live in a digital world and our young children spend more time on devices and gaming than any other activity. If we are going to solve the […]

E3: Elevate Early Education is one year in on tackling the reading crisis as our next big problem to solve. Too many of our children cannot read. In fact, 40% cannot read proficiently by third grade, and in some communities, it is even worse. Reading by third grade is a predictor of academic and life […]

We are thankful for everyone who is part of The Kids Need to Read campaign. All of our wonderful sponsors, everyone who attended a READing Rally with Super Bowl Champion and children’s author Malcolm Mitchell, and every advocate for helping every child read by 3rd grade.  

The Benefits for Young Children? Builds language and vocabulary skills. Creates strong bonds and a social-emotional connection between children and adults. Increases brain development as you read the story, show your expression and make sounds of every word. Helps children(adults too) calm down, relax and transition to nap or bedtime. The How? Build a library […]

A BIG thank you to our General Assembly members, legislative staff, the governor and his administration for making literacy initiatives a top priority. A child’s ability to read by third grade is a predictor of academic and life success. Over half of Virginia’s children aren’t reading by third grade. The legislature made a strong commitment […]

The early years are a critical time in language and literacy development. 90% of a child’s brain is developed before the age of five. Early literacy activities create more brain connections in the area of cognitive development and language. The reading network in the child’s brain doesn’t naturally exist; it must be built.  During the early […]

Did you know? There is new research that confirms early reading for fun with young children is linked to many positive outcomes.

What an honor to have Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin, distinguished guests and E3 School alumni with us for the Governor’s salary donation. The donation will help fund scholarships to increase equitable access for more children and the Lisa Robertson Literacy Lab + Library @ The New E3 School. The Robertson […]

What to Do with Babies Talk. Talk. Talk. They need to hear words to help their brains develop. Repeat the sounds they make back to them. Talk about what you are doing as you unload the groceries, cook dinner or go through town. Use books to provide back and forth interactions. Read aloud using a […]

Reading aloud and listening to a story benefits all children at every age. Listening to a story will: •Ignite a ❤️ of reading. •Boost language development in young children. •Build vocabulary and comprehension. •Spark creativity + the imagination. •Develop problem-solving + critical-thinking skills. Research says that reading to a young child will boost their language […]