Raising a Reader makes this possible through two proven models:

• Classic Red Book Bag Program – weekly rotations of diverse, high-quality books to spark family reading routines.
• Home Library Programs – lasting collections build home libraries.

How to Fund Literacy Programs Like Raising a Reader

The good news? Schools don’t need to find new money to fund Raising a Reader. Many existing resources can be used to support literacy and family engagement, including:

• Title I (family engagement and literacy support)
• Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) funds
• Additional federal funding streams that prioritize literacy and parent engagement
• State literacy and family engagement grants
• PTA, local, or community funds

These funding opportunities are designed to help schools improve reading outcomes, expand access to books, and build family-school partnerships—the exact results Raising a Reader delivers.

Raising a Reader… 

• Builds joyful reading routines at home
• Increases family engagement  in literacy activities
• Improves early literacy skills and school readiness
• Provides turnkey implementation and support for educators

Learn how to fund Raising a Reader in your school and start building stronger readers today!

1. Pick the Right Time—And Make it Consistent
Routine is everything. Choose a time that works best for your family—before bed, after dinner, or even after school—and stick to it. Even just 10 minutes a day adds up.

2. Let Your Child Choose the Book
Giving children a say in what they read boosts engagement and builds confidence. Whether it’s a picture book, comic, or favorite reread, let them lead.

3. Use the Book to Spark Conversation
Reading isn’t just about the words on the page. Ask open-ended questions, make predictions, or talk about how the characters feel. This builds comprehension and connection.

4. Celebrate Small Wins
Create a sticker chart or start a family book log. Recognizing progress helps children feel proud and excited to keep going.

5. Bring Books Into Everyday Life
Keep books in the car, in every room, even in your bag for waiting rooms. The more accessible books are, the more likely you are to read them.

Bonus Tip: Use a Program Like one from Raising a Reader
Our two program models equip families with tools, books, and guidance to build lifelong reading routines at home. They are simple, fun, and designed to fit into your daily life.

 Learn more about our Programs

While students enjoy snow days and cozy reading indoors, educators, schools, and libraries can take steps to ensure every child has access to books at home when school is out.

Super Summer Learning Adventures (SSLA) makes it easy to build home libraries that keep children engaged, learning, and ready for the next school year.

Each SSLA set includes:

 High-quality, diverse books to build literacy skills
 Fun, interactive activities that make learning fun

 Family-friendly guides to support building reading routines at home

By planning now, you can guarantee your students have books in hand when summer arrives—helping them avoid the summer slide and establishing a home library that supports lifelong learning.

Even though there may be snow on the ground, let’s set students up for success this summer. 

Order Your Super Summer Learning Adventures Program Today: https://raisingareader.org/super-summer-learning-adventures/

Questions? We’d love to connect!

#SuperSummerLearning #HomeLibraries #PreventSummerSlide #RaisingaReader

When families use reading time at home to talk about numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurements, they help children build foundational math skills that can support later success in school. 

Math is everywhere in stories—from counting objects in illustrations to exploring shapes in the environment—and these everyday moments offer the perfect opportunity to make math come alive for young children. 

Tips for Incorporating Math into Storytime 

Here are some simple tips to help families bring math to life during shared reading: 

Choose Math-Themed Books 
Books that focus on counting, shapes, patterns, comparisons, money and problem solving naturally lend themselves to math talk. Look for stories where characters use math in real-life situations, like measuring ingredients or counting toys, to spark conversations about math concepts like: Quack and Count by Keith Baker; Feast for 10 by Cathryn Falwell; and, Who Eats First? by Ae-hae Yoon.  

Spot Math Concepts in Pictures 
As you turn the pages, pause to point out numbers, shapes, or patterns in the pictures. Ask questions like, “How many trees are there?” or “Do you see any circles on this page?” These questions can help children practice identifying and understanding math in the world around them.  

Ask Math-Related Questions 
Encourage math exploration by asking open-ended questions during the story. Questions like, “What happens if we add one more apple to the basket?” or “Can you find something that is taller than this character?” make math fun and interactive. 

Consider Gender, Culture, and Language 
Be mindful of the diversity in the math stories you choose. Look for books that reflect different cultures, languages, and experiences to ensure all children see themselves in the math world. This shows that math is for everyone! 
 

Happy reading—and happy counting!