Communities Encourage Children To Read (NAPSA)—To become successful readers, students need positive reading role models both in and WwXx YY Zz outside the classroom. Increasingly, community members are stepping in to fill that role and support the work parents and teachers are doing to encourage children to read. “Children become successful readers when they have tremendous support—from their families, their teachers and even their whole community,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF*). “At RIF, our hope is that commu- nity members across the nation will work to encourage and chal- lenge children to read every day.” The Community Reading Challenge is a fun and motivational approach to children’s literacy. nearby, a community can support One way community members can get involved in promoting literacy is through Read With Me: reading using thesetips: ing Challenge, presented by MetLife Foundation. The challenge, which takes place in 1,100 Y Encourage older children to read whatever catches their inter- to motivate children to read by involving families, businesses and community members. VY Keep plenty of reading materials available in your home. For businesses: The 2004 RIF Community Read- RIF sites across the country, seeks “Businesses have the opportu- nity to inspire children by connecting them with adults who love to read,” said Sibyl Jacobson, president and CEO of Metlife Foundation. “MetLife is pleased to partner with RIF in building a corps of community volunteers who are helping to create a nation of lifelong readers.” Many communities are taking the challenge to heart. In the 2003 challenge, the Juan Linn Math and Science Magnet School in Vic- toria, Texas, found thousands of eager readers. Even if there is no RIF site For families: Y Read with your children for at least 10 minutes every day. est—novels, comic books, magazines or anythingelse. Y Encourage your employees to volunteer with local literacy initiatives. Y Donate to RIF or other literacy programs in your area (www.rif.org). Y Participate in your school district’s literacy activities and programming, such as the Com- munity Reading Challenge. Y Promote local initiatives that support literacy. For community groups: Y Volunteer with or support local after-school literacy sites. To volunteer at a RIF site near you, visit www.rif.org.
