Pledge To Take the 20/20 Reading Challenge | National Reading Month
Take the Pledge to Join the 20/20 Reading Challenge for National Reading Month
LeapFrog, a pioneer in children’s educational entertainment, is using the occasion of National Reading Month this March to inspire families to join the 20/20 Reading Challenge. This campaign encourages families to pledge to read for at least 20 minutes per day with their children. Reading from an early age plays a crucial role in a child’s development and LeapFrog is determined to make it a shared family activity.
The Power of Reading in Early Childhood Development
There is a strong correlation between reading to kids at home and their future academic achievement. This advantage is not temporary but continues throughout a child’s academic career. For instance:
- Studies have indicated that 26% of kids who were read to three or four times a week by a family member could recognize all letters of the alphabet. In contrast, only 14% of kids who were read to less frequently could do the same.
- The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has reported that only 53% of kids aged three to five were read to daily by a family member. Kids in families living below the poverty line are less likely to be read to aloud daily compared to kids from families living at or above the poverty line.
- The NCES has also found that kids who were read to frequently are more likely to count to 20 or higher (60% vs. 44%), write their own names (54% vs. 40%), and read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%).
LeapFrog’s 20/20 Reading Challenge and Their Partnership with Always Dream Foundation
As part of the 20/20 Reading Challenge, LeapFrog has teamed up with the non-profit organization, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation. For every pledge received, LeapFrog will donate 20 books to under-served classrooms supported by the Always Dream Foundation.
Words from Kristi Yamaguchi
“As a mom, it has always been part of our family’s routine to spend time reading together. Research has shown that children who were read to at least three times a week by a family member were almost twice as likely to score in the top 25 percent in reading compared to children who were read to less than three times a week. So many children are showing up to their kindergarten classrooms unprepared for school, and if this little bit of time every day can make a difference in my children’s future academic success and confidence, I am all in!” Kristi Yamaguchi, founder of the Always Dream Foundation, affirms the importance of the initiative.
About Always Dream Foundation
The Always Dream Foundation is dedicated to inspiring underprivileged children to reach for their dreams through innovative reading programs and by promoting early childhood literacy. Kristi Yamaguchi, an accomplished children’s book author, athlete, and mom, drives the Foundation’s commitment to early childhood literacy.
How You Can Help
Through the 20/20 Reading Challenge, LeapFrog plans to donate up to $5 million worth of books to children in need and they need your help! Take the pledge today to help put a book in a child’s hand! You can also check out an interview with Kristi Yamaguchi on the Money Saving Parent website for more information about the program.
|LeapFrog 20/20 Reading Challenge Facts and Figures|
|—|—|
|Campaign Purpose|Encourage families to read for at least 20 minutes per day with their kids|
|Benefits of Frequent Reading to Kids|Better alphabet recognition, numeric abilities, writing skills, and pretend reading|
|Children Read to Three or Four Times a Week|Recognized all letters of the alphabet (26%)|
|Children Read to Less Frequently|Recognized all letters of the alphabet (14%)|
|Children Read to Frequently|Count to 20 or higher (60% vs. 44% for those not read to often), Write their own names (54% vs. 40%), Read or pretend to read (77% vs. 57%)|
|Children Ages Three to Five Read to Daily|53%|
|Children in Low-Income Families Read to Aloud Everyday|Less likely compared to those in families with income at or above poverty|
|Partnership for Pledge|LeapFrog will donate 20 books to Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation for every pledge received|
|Donation Target|Up to $5 million worth of books|
|Foundation’s Purpose|Inspire underserved children to reach for their dreams through innovative reading programs and promoting early childhood literacy|
|Take the Pledge Link|http://www.leapfrog.com/Challenge|
|Interview with Kristi Yamaguchi|http://moneysavingparent.com/kristi-yamaguchi-literacy/|
Why the 20/20 Reading Challenge?
The 20/20 Reading Challenge is an innovative initiative that promotes the importance of reading in early childhood development. By pledging to read for at least 20 minutes a day with your child, you can play a significant role in shaping their academic future. Reading is not just an activity; it’s an investment in your child’s future. It’s a way to bond, to explore new worlds, and to foster a lifelong love for learning.
The Positive Impact of Reading on Children’s Cognitive Development
Reading to kids at home doesn’t just entertain them; it impacts their cognitive development positively. It enhances their language skills, improves their concentration, develops their imagination, and makes them more empathetic. The cognitive benefits of reading extend beyond immediate literacy skills, influencing a child’s overall academic performance and cognitive development.
Understanding the Statistics: The Impact of Reading on Children’s Academic Performance
Understanding the statistics around early childhood reading can be a powerful motivator for parents. When we read to our children, we are not just entertaining them; we are building their future. The figures are clear: children who are read to regularly show significantly better academic performance than those who are not. So, take the pledge, join the 20/20 Reading Challenge, and make a difference in your child’s life.
A Closer Look at LeapFrog’s Partnership with Always Dream Foundation
LeapFrog’s partnership with the Always Dream Foundation isn’t just about promoting reading; it’s about making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children. For every pledge received, LeapFrog donates 20 books to classrooms in need. This partnership is a testament to the power of collective action – every pledge can help transform a child’s life.
The Role of Kristi Yamaguchi in the Initiative
As a mother, an accomplished author, and the founder of the Always Dream Foundation, Kristi Yamaguchi stands as a strong advocate for early childhood literacy. Her dedication to the cause is evident in her words and actions. She believes that every child deserves the chance to dream, and reading is a powerful tool to empower them towards that dream.
More About the Always Dream Foundation
The Always Dream Foundation is more than a non-profit organization; it’s a beacon of hope for underprivileged children. Guided by Kristi Yamaguchi’s vision, the Foundation is committed to promoting early childhood literacy through innovative reading programs. They believe that every child, regardless of their background, should have access to books and the chance to pursue their dreams.
How Your Pledge Can Make a Difference
Every pledge in the 20/20 Reading Challenge is a step towards making a difference. Your pledge not only encourages the reading habit in your home but also contributes to a broader cause. With a goal of donating up to $5 million worth of books to children in need, every pledge counts. So take the pledge today, and help put a book in a child’s hand.
FAQs about the 20/20 Reading Challenge
Find answers to common questions about the 20/20 Reading Challenge and National Reading Month, and understand how you can make a difference.
Conclusion
The 20/20 Reading Challenge is more than a campaign; it’s a movement towards fostering a love for reading among children and promoting early childhood literacy. By pledging to read for at least 20 minutes a day, you can play a critical role in shaping your child’s future and contribute to a broader cause. So, take the pledge today, make reading a daily habit, and help LeapFrog and the Always Dream Foundation in their mission to promote early childhood literacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 20/20 Reading Challenge?
The 20/20 Reading Challenge is a campaign by LeapFrog that encourages families to pledge to read for at least 20 minutes per day with their children to promote early childhood literacy and development.
2. When does the 20/20 Reading Challenge take place?
The 20/20 Reading Challenge takes place during National Reading Month in March. However, families are encouraged to continue the practice of reading to their children daily beyond this month.
3. How can I participate in the 20/20 Reading Challenge?
You can participate by pledging to read to your child for at least 20 minutes a day. To take the pledge, visit www.leapfrog.com/Challenge.
4. What is the connection between LeapFrog and the Always Dream Foundation?
LeapFrog has partnered with the Always Dream Foundation for the 20/20 Reading Challenge. For every pledge received, LeapFrog will donate 20 books to under-served classrooms supported by the Always Dream Foundation.
5. Who is Kristi Yamaguchi?
Kristi Yamaguchi is the founder of the Always Dream Foundation. She is an accomplished children’s book author, athlete, and mom, who is dedicated to promoting early childhood literacy.
6. How does the 20/20 Reading Challenge help children in need?
Through the 20/20 Reading Challenge, LeapFrog plans to donate up to $5 million worth of books to children in need. The number of books donated is directly related to the number of pledges received, making each pledge an important contribution.
7. How can I learn more about the program?
You can learn more about the program by checking out an interview with Kristi Yamaguchi on the Money Saving Parent website.
Table: The Impact of Reading to Children
| Reading Frequency | Recognize Alphabet | Count to 20 or Higher | Write Own Name | Read or Pretend to Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-4 times a week | 26% | 60% | 54% | 77% |
| Less frequently | 14% | 44% | 40% | 57% |
