READERS PROMISE4

Program Overview

READERS PROMISE4, an all-volunteer literacy program of Fundamentals for Kids Inc., delivers Education, Enthusiasm, Entertainment and Engagement (E4) via the medium of children's books. Trained literacy volunteers (professional performers, storytellers, retired teachers and other professionals in the community) donate their time and talent reading aloud and discussing quality literature in public elementary school classrooms each week of the school year. The program develops children's comprehension,
enriches vocabulary, deepens listening skills, and is entirely accessible to children of all ages, genders, cultures and abilities.

In an era of high-stakes testing and educational reform, research repeatedly proves that reading aloud is the single
most effective way to promote language development and school success (Becoming a Nation of Readers, U.S. Commission on Reading Report). Listening to quality literature being read aloud builds community in the classroom, enhances reading fluency, and inspires lifelong readers.

Program objectives:

• Increase student proficiency in reading and discussion

• Build confidence as readers and learners

• Develop listening, visualization, analytical and critical thinking skills

• Develop creativity and imagination

• Foster inter-generational, adult-to-student relationships with books

• Increase reading enjoyment

• Increase accessibility of quality literature