Kiwanis and Literacy

WHY is Early Literacy Important? 

Early literacy is vital because 90% of brain growth occurs by age five, forming the foundation for cognitive development, school readiness, and long-term success. It develops language, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills, while fostering emotional connections and communication skills that prepare children for reading and writing. 

Key reasons for early literacy importance include: 

  • Brain & Cognitive Development: Reading and storytelling foster cognitive skills such as memory, attention span, and critical thinking. 
  • School Readiness & Academic Success: Early exposure to books and language prepares children to enter school with a passion for learning and better language comprehension, which predicts reading proficiency by third grade 
  • Language and Communication: Early literacy improves language skills, vocabulary, and communication ability, helping children understand and express their emotions. 
  • Emotional & Social Bonding: Reading together creates secure bonds between children and caregivers and supports social-emotional development. 
  • Lifelong Benefits: It fosters a love of reading, builds self-esteem, and boosts confidence in learning.  

Literacy in early childhood is not just about reading, but about fostering a child’s natural curiosity and communication skills through talking, singing, and playing. 

How can Kiwanis Club get Involved? 

Kiwanis clubs can get involved in many different ways: 

  • Host reading events: Host a Read Across America or Dr. Suess event, Host a Poetry Night for Poetry month in April, Host a reading event during Turn Off TV Week in May, etc 
  • Participate in signature literacy program listed on this site
  • Volunteer readers: Volunteer to read at schools, early learning centers, Head Starts on a consistent basis 
  • Volunteer to read during special events: Read Across PA, Jumpstart Read for the Record, PA One Book, etc. 
  • Purchase books: Support local schools, libraries (district or public), early learning centers by purchasing much needed books
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