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
Help us celebrate Circle K week by reaching out to a Circle K member with some encouragement and inspiration. The week culminates at the Laurel Lodge in Duncansville, PA with InterPACK as Circle K members and advisors gather to serve, learn, and fellowship. ... See MoreSee Less
On October 6 at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis received the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Keystone State Literacy Association. Governor Janet Owen and James attended. The award recognizes the District’s commitment to literacy through Little Free Libraries, PA One Book, Read Across Pennsylvania, Keystone reading sets for schools, classroom reading, advocacy, and partnerships with ReadyNation and the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children.
Last year, 2,500 books were distributed to Head Start classrooms across Pennsylvania. Local Kiwanis members read The Great Cookie Kerfuffle across the Commonwealth and will continue participating in PA One Book this year.
Kiwanis members strengthen early literacy by bringing books and reading programs directly into classrooms.
The Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis celebrates Young Children Priority One Chair Emily Reed, recipient of the KSLA Exemplary Service Award from the Keystone State Literacy Association. This well-deserved honor recognizes Emily’s strong advocacy for early education and literacy. ... See MoreSee Less
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:
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:
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Pennsylvania Kiwanis
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Help us celebrate Circle K week by reaching out to a Circle K member with some encouragement and inspiration. The week culminates at the Laurel Lodge in Duncansville, PA with InterPACK as Circle K members and advisors gather to serve, learn, and fellowship. ... See MoreSee Less
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On October 6 at Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, the Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis received the Celebrate Literacy Award from the Keystone State Literacy Association. Governor Janet Owen and James attended. The award recognizes the District’s commitment to literacy through Little Free Libraries, PA One Book, Read Across Pennsylvania, Keystone reading sets for schools, classroom reading, advocacy, and partnerships with ReadyNation and the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children.
Last year, 2,500 books were distributed to Head Start classrooms across Pennsylvania. Local Kiwanis members read The Great Cookie Kerfuffle across the Commonwealth and will continue participating in PA One Book this year.
Kiwanis members strengthen early literacy by bringing books and reading programs directly into classrooms.
The Pennsylvania District of Kiwanis celebrates Young Children Priority One Chair Emily Reed, recipient of the KSLA Exemplary Service Award from the Keystone State Literacy Association. This well-deserved honor recognizes Emily’s strong advocacy for early education and literacy. ... See MoreSee Less
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