The reading day helps the students to develop passion for books

“I come from an immigrant family. English was my second language and I fought with it. … but today was great ” Gas & Electric Credit Union In Rock Island after reading a book for a class with second class students.

The regional woman was one of approximately 150 volunteers who were almost 1,400 students in 70 primary school classes in the counties Scott and Rock Island as part of the United Way Quad Cities' Reading Day on Tuesday, March 4th.

“It is crucial to convey a love of reading at a young age, because when children develop a real passion for reading, they make it a lifelong habit,” said Sharon Smith, honorary chairman and CEO of Reading Day Quad City Area broker.

Ms. Smith, a children's author, understands the importance of early literacy. “Love for reading offers children the tools to explore their interests, to be academically successful and to grow intellectually, which makes there one of the most powerful gifts that we can give them,” she added.

United Ways annually Reading day The celebration is not just about encouraging children to read. It also supports early literacy by showing children that books are fun, accessible and committed. When children develop strong reading skills, they are better equipped for success in school, which in turn supports college and career willing, career services and even general health, according to The United Way.

Managing Director

The Reading Day of United Way was presented by Quad City Area Realors and supported by Isle Casino + Hotel BettendorfAmazon, Eye surgeon employeesPresent John DeerePresent TBK BankPresent Elliott AviationPresent Mindfire CommunicationsPresent PepsiPresent Whiteys icePresent BluelinxPresent Gas & Electric Credit UnionPresent Ibew Local 145Present Ruhl & Ruhl Realors And United Rentals.

The reading day of Tuesday also showed business and community leaders who read books and distribute gifts throughout the region. For example, Ms. Gutierrez read a book by Rene Gellerman, President and CEO of United Way Quad Cities, to second class children who were taught by Allison Harkey in room 14 at the Jefferson Elementary School in Davenport.

This book entitled “The Adventures of Kids United: The Glass Bridge” takes place in the Quad cities. In the book, five special friends discover a mysterious bridge for nowhere. “With teamwork, friendliness and magic, they join the space traveler to repair a broken spaceship and to contest an incredible voyage over the universe.”

“It is good for the students to hear from other people in the community. It is easy to hear how other people read them, ”said Ms. Harkey.

Ms. Gutierrez went to the front of the room and read the short story of around 16 students. The room was filled with encouraging news and signs. One of them was: “The future of the world is in this classroom.” Another part of the classroom contained photos of all students next to the expression: “You are amazing how you are.”

Read swag bags

After Ms. Gutierrez and other volunteers had read the book with Super Hero Powers that contained students with Super Hero Powers, they distributed gift bags. Each bag contained a copy of “The Adventures of Kids” book, sunglasses, stickers, a bookmark and a cap-and-mask kit, which most students quickly play for their superhero role.

After reading the book, Ms. Gutierrez asked the students several questions, including: “What are some of her superpowers?” One student replied: “Listen to my teacher.”

Ms. Gutierrez quickly replied: “This is a great answer.”

The leseday not only had fun with a story about children and superheroes, but also a serious topic – the early literacy.

When children develop strong reading skills, they are better equipped to be successful at school. If the opposite happens, children give the opportunity to develop their full potential for life. To put it in the right perspective, said United Way, there are 3,462 third graders in the quad cities – 1.414 of them have difficulty reading. This means that 44% of the third graders of the Quad cities do not read at the class level.

“Reading knowledge is one of the greatest predictors for the success of a child in school and life,” said Ms. Gellerman. “The third grade is when children change from learning to read to learn. From this point on, reading will be fundamental for everyone else, including natural sciences, mathematics and history. “

“Studies show that 74% of the fighting readers will never catch up. It is therefore important that early literacy opportunities for success are on the way to success, ”says The United Way.

Support of literacy

United Way Leaders said three ways to support early literacy:

• Volunteer: Become a reading buddy and only spend 30 minutes a week to build up a child and improve your reading skills.
• Donate books: Give a book from the United Way book wish list, and the organization will distribute you to local students to inspire early reading.
• Invest in the literacy: Support Early Reading programs to ensure that children read at class level and set themselves up for lifelong success.

Find out more and participate in: Unitedwayqc.org/readingday.