When I was a kid, my favorite place in the world was the library. I would wander the shelves for hours until I discovered just the right book to take me away. Usually it was one of the Nancy Drew Mysteries or, when I got a little older, something by Danielle Steel. Books provided me with so much more than an escape, they gave me a broader context for my place in the world and opened the doors to a life of continuous education. Once you learn to read, you never stop learning.
Target understands the importance of reading for children and the impact that it has on their education, that’s why they’re planning to give $500 million by the end of 2015 to support education and help kids learn to read. The American Library Association has partnered with Target in their endeavor to encourage parents to read with their children with the goal of children being able to read proficiently by the third grade.
According to available statistics, one in four kids didn’t graduate from high school and that rate is even lower for African American and Hispanic students. You can help change those statistics by pledging to read to read to your children. For tips, visit your local library.
Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post, as a mother and a librarian, I simply value the importance of reading to a quality education.
