The simple act of reading aloud to a child 15 minutes a day for five years results in 27,375 minutes of language exposure which can put children on the path to high literacy achievement.
Reading aloud exposes children to a huge number of words and language patterns providing opportunity for children to learn that reading is both enjoyable and valuable, not to mention the bonds reading creates with trusted adults in children’s life.
This is why Maine DOE is gearing up for the Read to ME Challenge. Quite simply, the Read to ME Challenge will utilize social media to promote reading to and/or with children for at least 15 minutes a day. Maine’s Governor and First Lady will kick off the “Challenge” in early February at the Blaine House.
Maine schools are strongly encouraged to accept and promote the challenge once the Governor and the First Lady launch the campaign.
More details, including a guidance document and informational webinar, can be found at the Read to ME Challenge website. Please share this information with the individuals in your school system who will be the most well-quipped to build engagement in the campaign, such as school librarians, principals, curriculum leaders and/or literacy specialists.
For more information, contact Maine DOE’s Literacy Specialist Lee Anne Larsen at leeann.larsen@maine.gov.