Children Are First with Read Aloud Virginia

I have recently had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with Read Aloud Virginia (RAV).    RAV is a non-profit organization that provides books, training, accountability, and motivation to parents, students, teachers, volunteers and administrators in areas throughout Virginia. RAV focuses on empowering parents and adults to take an active role in setting the course of success for their own children and those whom they serve. Parents and professionals from all over Richmond have testified to the difference that RAV has made in our community. The Executive Director of North Richmond YMCA sings the praises of RAV; "Both staff and volunteer trainings provided by RAV's trainer have proven to be a success because more of our children are reading by themselves and reading to others, parents are reading to their children at home, and in-home libraries are growing."   The Superintendent of Northumberlad Schools states "Reading scores are increasing and this program is a big factor."  Third graders in this school district who participated in RAV, achieved scores of 90% or better on four of the five Virginia SOL tests. 
RAV also takes an active part in collaborating with local businesses to bring literacy to preschool-aged children and their families. My family and I recently enjoyed attending "Stroller Stories" at Saxon shoe store in the Short Pump Mall. Saxon is a collection site for new and used books that RAV distributes to local families who cannot afford to buy books for their home. Stroller Stories is a fun event that occurs on the second Saturday of each month from 9:00am-10:00am during the summer. Children can have their picture made with the Chick-Fil-A cow, receive a coupon for a free kid's meal, make a craft, and enjoy story time with a guest reader. This month, local mompreneur and author Kate Hall read several books to the children, including her own Richmond Rocks, a fun and educational story about 3 children who learn about the history of Richmond while taking a ride with their Mother down Monument Avenue.         

 

 

 

 

Program Director of Read Aloud Virginia, Joanie Bache will be speaking at our upcoming workshop on Early Literacy on September 14th. This workshop is the first in our "Celebrating Our Children" series, hosted by Hanover Rainbow Station  during the 2010-2011 school year.
For more information about Read Aloud VA, go to www.readaloudva.org.   
Happy Reading!
~Kristi