The “Born to Read” Program began in 1990. It was the brainchild of the New Carlisle Literacy Exchange in the Gaspé, and the project has been adapted many different ways since then.
The main objective is to encourage parents to begin reading to their infants at a very early age, even before they are old enough to hold a book or turn a page themselves. The sooner they are introduced to the world of books, the better! Research has shown a marked improvement of school success amongst children who are exposed to reading early.
Parents participating in the program receive a Born to Read book bag filled with concept board books for babies and toddlers. A “good night” book is also included. The book bags are available for purchase from the QFHSA. The QFHSA supports new programs by donating the first 10 book bags.
How Can You Bring Born to Read to Your School Community?
There are a number of ways to bring Born to Read to your school community. Some Home and Schools hold a “Born to Read” event as part of their literacy program, in conjunction with their school administration and Family Literacy Day (January 27). Parents with infants and toddlers in the school community and beyond are invited to the school. The school librarian or a volunteer reads some books to the group. Tables are set up with activities for the older siblings and refreshments are served. Each toddler/infant goes home with a Born to Read bag.
The Home and School Associations at Roslyn Elementary and Edgewater Elementary have run a Born to Read Program in their schools for years. Souvenir Elementary Home and School started its Born to Read Program in 2021, at the height of the pandemic. Home and School volunteers sent a letter to all the parents they knew with toddlers at home, inviting them to participate. The response was fantastic. Home and School received emails from 20 families with 24 future readers. Home and School volunteers added homemade bookmarks and a label to each of the Born to Read book bags, which were sent home with the older siblings on January 27th.
For more information on the Born to Read Program and advice and suggestions about starting the program at your school, please email info@qfhsa.org.
Looking for Ideas to Foster a Love a Reading in Your Home?
Check out the QFHSA’s Children’s Literacy Resource Guide on this website! In it, you’ll find resources on early literacy. Here are a few examples (click on the title to view the item):