From left to right: PB Inroads Intern Lindsey, Friend of Program Monica, PB Inroads Intern Ashleigh, PB Inroads Intern Julian, PB Inroads Intern Ayana.

Lindsey-" It was amazing to see the reaction of the children that we spoke to at the event. They were very excited about the program and seemed eager to get started. I remember one little boy who mentioned he didn’t have a computer at home, and that he was upset that he wouldn’t be able to add his reading minutes on http://bit.ly/25wF6o. I reminded him that the library was a great resource--he could read almost anything he wanted there, and most libraries have computers with web access so he would be able to record his minutes. The light of excitement in his eyes was priceless."

Ashleigh-" After participating in the FBTR Program I was able to share true feelings about the program to the volunteers that I recruit for FBTR. It's easy to show the future volunteers what the program is really about-- The smile of the kids faces when they receive a new book and can't wait to read it."

Julian- "Volunteering for the FBTR program allowed me to see the philanthropic impact Pitney Bowes aims to make on the community. I enjoyed seeing children become enthused by the reading challenge."

Ayana- "I enjoyed the NY Liberty game night very much. It was exciting to be there promoting the Fast Break to Reading Program while also representing Pitney Bowes."

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For many people, their earliest memory of reading involves their parents – cuddled up in bed or in a favorite rocking chair to hear about the latest adventures of a superhero, talking bear or curious monkey.
But those are more than memories. They are CRITICAL for children’s future academic success.

Children’s reading skills grow, just like their physical abilities. Your children’s motivation to learn is nourished by the everyday experiences they have with you—experiences that include talking, reading and writing.
If you infuse their daily lives with reading and emphasize the importance of education, then the children will make learning a priority.

By taking just one minute a day, you can improve your child’s reading skills. While you go about your daily routine – preparing breakfast or driving to school, you can also increase vocabulary, expand reading skills and add an extra dose of fun to an otherwise routine day. Singing songs, making up silly rhymes, talking about what you see, pointing out letters and words on road signs and cereal boxes, and reading together are just a few activities parents can do.

Make reading a family habit by getting a library card for everyone in the family and teaching children that reading is fun.

Create reading rituals by setting aside a special time and place every day to enjoy stories without interruptions.

In addition, by cuddling closely with your child to foster a sense of security, you eliminate stress, which scientists have found produces a hormone that blocks learning. There also are certain techniques for reading that have been proven to increase effectiveness in reading time, including:

Providing sound effects to capture their attention;

Making connections between the spoken and written word because hearing sounds in words is a basic skill
needed for reading;

Talking about the story to reinforce comprehension and memory skills; and

Reading it again because repetition helps children recognize and remember words.

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Parents pass along more than just eye color and other genetic traits to their children. They instill values and attitudes toward learning and education. Stronger literacy skills across multiple generations benefit families, communities and the national economy. Parental effort results in higher levels of achievement, and the magnitude of the effect of is substantial.

One study found that schools would need to increase per-pupil spending by more than $1,000 in order to achieve the same results that are gained with parental involvement.

Make the investment in your child today. READ WITH THEM.

www.famlit.org
© 2009 National Center for Family Literacy

During a Fast Break to Reading Game Night event, reading champs see the game in style!
They receive reading pledge kits with books, t-shirts & bookmarks and are recognized on-court during half time with a public address announcement.


These are anonymous quotes from Volunteers who particpated in Fast Break to Reading Game Nights.
# 1 You're welcome! Million Minute Reading Madness!!!!

# 2 Thank you for allowing me to be a volunteer.

# 3 This is a wonderful opportunity. I felt honored to be a part of it.

# 4 Thank you for allowing me to participate and be a volunteer.

# 5 I believe this is a great program that should be supported by all. The summer brings a lot of challenges in keeping the kids focus on reading and this program surely helps.

#6Thank you for making me part of this wonderful experience, enjoyed it.