At Raising a Reader, we’ve always believed that family engagement is the cornerstone of children’s literacy and learning. Families are children’s first and most important teachers—long before they ever enter a classroom. Research continues to validate what we see every day: when parents and caregivers are empowered to share books and read together, ask questions, and engage in joyful conversations, ...

When schools and families partner on literacy, children thrive. Research shows that reading together at home builds stronger skills, a love of books, and readiness for school and life success. Raising a Reader makes this possible through two proven models: How to Fund Literacy Programs Like Raising a Reader The good news? Schools don’t need to find new money to ...

Strong reading skills are the foundation for success—but they don’t develop in the classroom alone. The best reading programs for children begin early and include the whole family. That’s exactly what Raising a Reader offers: high-quality, research-backed reading and family engagement programs for children ages 0–8. Whether you’re supporting toddlers, preschoolers, or early elementary students, our programs build home literacy routines that nurture ...

Reading together as a family isn’t just a cozy bedtime activity—it’s one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning and emotional growth. But between busy schedules and screen distractions, how do you make reading a habit that lasts? At Raising a Reader, we’ve helped thousands of families build meaningful, consistent reading routines. Here’s how you can too. ...

Recent research from HarperCollins Publishers and Nielsen uncovered a sobering trend: only 41% of children ages 0–4 are frequently read to—a significant drop from 64% in 2012. Even more concerning, less than half of parents say they enjoy reading aloud to their children. As both a parent and the CEO of Raising a Reader, this hits home. Because I know what the research shows—and I also know ...

Inside the Classic Red Book Bag Program At Raising a Reader, we make it easy for families to build joyful reading routines at home. Our Classic Red Book Bag Program is simple, effective, and proven to support early literacy. Here’s how it works: 1. Take Home a Red Book Bag Each week, children bring home a bright red book bag filled with ...