KOLD News 13Push For Early Literacy In Tucson

Push For Early Literacy In Tucson

Suleika Acosta, KOLD News 13 Reporter

Nearly one out of every five adults in Arizona is illiterate. That means thousands of Tucsonans have difficulty with reading and writing. But this weekend, one local group is trying to change that.

Below the towering buildings of downtown Tucson, a one of a kind neighborhood is nestled where our favorite children's books come to life. The Joel D. Valdez Main Library courtyard became Story Town for a day where parents and kids found out reading can be an adventure.

"We try to make it fun, we use voices when we read to them, sometimes we make up stories before bed and so I think that's really spurred their interest in books," says Doug Derrick.

The Derrick family already knows the importance of reading to their kids.

"Our oldest daughter who's in kindergarten, she can read books on her own, she can read the bible on her own, she's doing really great. So we're awfully proud of how well she reads and we think that its because we've started early and done it consistently."

Tucson literacy advocates say that's no accident. Story Town encourages families to enjoy reading together.

Mary Jan Bancroft, executive director of Make Way for Books, says it's important to engage kids in storytelling.

"The more parents can read to their children, sing to them, talk to them, have language experiences, those are the kinds of things that help young children develop the foundation for learning to read in a formal ways once they reach school," says Bancroft.

But even before kids get to kindergarten, experts say reading to infants and toddlers can help them develop better vocabulary than babies who aren't read to.

"The most brain development occurs in the very first three years of life so it is so important for parent to pay lots of attention to their children to bond with their children and to communicate," says Mary Sanchez, children's librarian.

Mary says reading early on sets the stage for a lifetime of knowledge and education.

"You can really help your child become a better learner by just reading to them every day," adds Mary.  

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