Recognizing the negative impact this will have on future generations , Scholastic has teamed up with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to turn the page and promote literacy through reading for fun . This first-of-its-kind program , “ The United States of Readers ,” was launched in Quincy , Massachusetts , in mid-October and will be introduced in five Title I school districts across the Commonwealth this school year .
Here ’ s how it works : The program provides access to books for 10,000 students in grades Pre-K to 8 who attend Title I schools in Quincy , Revere , Holyoke , Framingham , and the southern Berkshires . Students choose from a curated selection of grade-appropriate titles , a total of 10 books ( two books , five times a year ) to add to their home libraries at no cost to families . In addition , teachers will receive 25 books a year for their own classroom libraries .
This ambitious program is aimed at boosting the literacy rates that have stagnated for decades and is using a proven model created by teachers and Scholastic to make reading fun and joyful . This approach is backed by research . According to the Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report , more than 90 % of children say that their favorite books — and the ones they are more likely to finish — are the ones they pick themselves .
Newman explains the philosophy behind the program : “ Year after year , literacy assessments capture how our schools cannot bridge the literacy gaps on their own . The mission of the United States of Readers program is for every child to choose and own their books and experience the joy of reading .”
TOP : Judy Newman and award-winning author Jerry Pallotta BOTTOM : Author Jerry Pallotta launches The United States Of Readers in Quincy , Massachusetts .
The United States of Readers program is built on a simple yet powerful idea : when children have access to books of their own choosing , they are more motivated to read . Self-confidence , a greater connectedness to community and agency are also measurable results of the program . For many children , this initiative will open doors to literacy and learning that were previously out of reach . It also develops skills associated with success in life : learning how to choose , understanding self and community , and continuing to nurture positive associations with books and reading throughout elementary and middle school .
Designed with teachers in mind , the program ensures that they have the tools and support they need to help their students thrive . Classroom teachers were consulted throughout the creation of the program , and their insights into student engagement and motivation played a key role in shaping the initiative . The goal is to improve students ’ reading skills and foster a culture of reading where students feel confident in their abilities , are excited about books , and feel connected to their peers through shared reading experiences .
The program ’ s two-year pilot phase , funded by bestselling author James Patterson , served as a proving ground for its potential impact . Beginning in
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