Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Kobo, and I received Compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
In my 20 years as an early childhood educator, I heard many theories about how to help children reach their fullest potential. Regardless of the philosophy, the common consensus is that reading is critical to children’s academic success.
With this knowledge, I went into parenthood with a certainty that reading and literacy would be prevalent in our home.
I began reading to my children even in utero. I read them books as babies, toddlers, and preschoolers… they have grown up surrounded by books and vivid storytimes.
I always look for opportunities to make reading fun and engaging for my children. I plan activities around the books that I read, I scour bookstores for quality books to add to my children’s collection, and we regularly go to our library. Regardless of what our days are like, I always make time to read at least one story to my girls.
I know that books and reading are essential to my children’s academic success.
In October, First Book Canada, in conjunction with Rakuten Kobo and Penguin Random House Canada, announced “The Awesome Project”, which is a literacy initiative that provides elementary school-aged children with their first book. This program also provides educational resources to help foster the love of reading.
Throughout the month, of October, New York Times bestselling author of the Awesome series, Neil Pasricha, visited with students from schools across Southern Ontario to read from Awesome is Everywhere, his latest book aimed at children. Each school received copies of Awesome is Everywhere, in addition to 1,500 brand new books and a $1,000 grant to purchase books and Kobo eReaders through the First Book Canada Marketplace.
What an AWESOME initiative!
I love hearing about projects like this, and I love when we can take part in these initiatives as well!
How can you help get #BooksTo Kids?
Buy your first book with Kobo before November 30th and Kobo will donate $5 to First Book Canada! These funds will help children in need get access to new books, one of the most important factors affecting literacy.
Buy your 1st book with @Kobo before Nov. 30 & they'll give $5 to First Book Canada! #BooksToKids Click To TweetBut that’s not all: Kobo has something for YOU, too! When you create a free Kobo account, you also get a $5 credit! Now that’s what I call a WIN-WIN!
**NOTE: Only new Kobo customers that sign up through the kobo.com/awesome landing page and purchase a book before November 30, 2015, will be eligible for this offer.**
Awesome IS everywhere! I encourage you to purchase your first Kobo book. Your participation will affect children in a big way!
If you want more information about this initiative, visit HERE.
Follow Kobo on Twitter – @Kobo
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What a great program and just couldn’t agree how very important reading at such a young age is. I see with my own girls how us reading from the time before they probably can even remember has indeed made a huge difference and impact. Thanks for sharing and wishing you a wonderful Wednesday now xoxo ;)
I would have guessed your family is big on reading. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Janine!
Reading to little ones is probably one of the best things we can do for them as parents. Little A LOVES books so much and has begun reading on her own a bit. What a great program!
I have always loved reading to children. Before my first daughter was born, I had collected over 120 picture books. Yes – our library has grown a lot since then. Nothing beats a good book!
I LOVE PTPA!
this is an incredible program. The way I see my kids come alive from books is how I remember my own youth, especially as comfort during really scary times.
And the imagination and wonder!
PTPA is awesome!
I love books too – my oldest is a huge reader… it all starts when they’re young. That’s why I love programs like these!
Hi Jennifer, I collected more books than clothes in preparation for my two. I’ve always loved reading and so wanted my two to enjoy it too. It’s paid off as my daughter is a proper bookaholic and enjoys everything from the classics to the more fluffy stuff.
Any project that helps give children their first book and gives them easier access to books is a winner. Books shouldn’t be just for the children of families that can afford it, reading should be for everyone.
xx
I was the same way! I had over 120 children’s picture books before my first daughter was born (although my “excuse” was that I was also a preschool teacher).
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this project Debbie!