Houston Reads Day: A Community Effort to Improve Literacy
Houston – Since 2006, the local nonprofit Literacy Now has been dedicated to helping children become proficient readers by the end of third grade, a critical milestone in literacy. This milestone is crucial because it can have a lasting impact on a child’s future success.
Why Third Grade?
According to Jacklyn Minimah-Wilson, CEO of Literacy Now, being able to be a proficient reader in third grade is a crucial predictor of future success. Minimah-Wilson says that if children are not reading at grade level by third grade, they are at a significantly higher risk of behavior issues, joblessness, and incarceration later in life. Teachers play an essential role in fostering literacy in school, but parents and the community also have a responsibility.
Houston Reads Day 2025
The goal of Houston Reads Day is not only to engage students but also to raise awareness about Houston’s literacy crisis. Currently, 27% of third graders in the Houston area are not reading at grade level. By raising awareness, Literacy Now hopes to inspire action from educators, parents, and community members. Literacy Now operates a Reading Intervention Program, where staff work one-on-one with students who need extra support. They also provide families with tools to incorporate reading into daily life.
Get Involved
There are several ways to get involved. Probably the easiest is simply reading to children for just 15 minutes a day. It can significantly boost their language skills and literacy development.
Special Guests
This year, literacy Now is excited to welcome special guest readers, including former Houston Texan and author, Wade Smith, along with Houston Texans cheerleaders, Toro the Houston Texans mascot, and more. Additionally, Houston City Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas and other elected officials will also be participating. This year’s event will feature books by local Houston children’s authors. Some lucky students will have the opportunity to meet the authors as they read to select classrooms.
Volunteer and Donate
Volunteer: There are still 28 spots open for Houston Reads Day. As of this writing, there are less than 10 spots available. Click here to sign up!
Donate: Through the Leaders for Readers Challenge, every dollar donated up to $6,000 will be matched dollar for dollar.
Spread Awareness
Encourage parents and caregivers to read with their children daily. By doing so, you can help make a significant impact on a child’s literacy development.
Conclusion
Houston Reads Day is a community effort to improve literacy in our city. By reading to children, donating to literacy programs, and spreading awareness about the importance of literacy, we can make a difference in the lives of Houston’s children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Houston Reads Day?
A: The purpose of Houston Reads Day is to engage students in reading and to raise awareness about Houston’s literacy crisis.
Q: How can I get involved in Houston Reads Day?
A: You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness about the importance of literacy.
Q: How can I read to children?
A: You can read to children for just 15 minutes a day, or you can participate in literacy programs like Literacy Now’s Reading Intervention Program.
Q: What is the goal of Literacy Now?
A: The goal of Literacy Now is to help children become proficient readers by the end of third grade.
Q: How can I learn more about Houston Reads Day?
A: You can learn more about Houston Reads Day by visiting the Literacy Now website at literacynowhouston.org.
