Thursday, March 18, 2010

Reading Is Fundamental


Today on our Mundie Moms blog, we are featuring a wonderful program that gives children a chance at their dreams, and that's by giving them books and helping them read.

This is something that is near and dear to our hearts! It's something we feel very strongly about, and that's helping empower children with reading and books. Reading Fundamental does just that. Here's what they do:

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. prepares and motivates children to read by delivering free books and literacy resources to those children and families who need them most.

Founded in 1966, RIF is the oldest and largest children's and family nonprofit literacy organization in the United States. RIF's highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4.4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year.

All RIF programs combine three essential elements to foster children's literacy: reading motivation, family and community involvement, and the excitement of choosing free books to keep.

RIF's accomplishments are due in part to the generous support of the U.S. Department of Education, corporations, foundations, community organizations, and thousands of individuals.

Right now RIF is in of need of help. One way we can help, is now through May, American Express will donate $200,000 to the charity with most votes. To vote for RIF, please go herehttp://www.takepart.com/node/54085. You'll also find more information about RIF like- Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy nonprofit, inspires all children to be lifelong readers through the power of choice. RIF provides new books for children to choose and make their own. Since its founding, RIF has provided more than 366 million books and countless hours of reading motivation to children most in need. Yet so many children still do not have books of their own—61% of low-income families with children in the U.S. have no books at home.

Through a network of more than 400,000 volunteers, RIF programs reach children in every state in a variety of settings including schools, community centers, homeless shelters, and hospitals. Access to books ignites children’s hunger for knowledge and a passion for learning. Research shows that children who have more access to books not only perform better academically, but also become productive individuals whose contributions help create strong communities.

RIF offers help to parents, teachers and coordinators on their site here http://www.rif.org/. They also have links for ways we can get involved, donate and support our local RIFs. Helping teach a child to read changes their futures and opens up so many horizons for them. You can also find this information on our Children's Book Review Blog http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com

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I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~