Recent studies show a child who can’t read at grade level by third grade, is four times less likely to graduate high school. That same child is 13 times less likely to graduate if they live in poverty. That’s why WSFL-TV and the Scripps Howard Foundation have teamed up to raise money to give books to children in our community who need them the most.
Dozens of children at IBK Preschool in Lauderhill received a bag of books on Tuesday. It’s all part of our Give A Child a Book Campaign. In partnership with Miami-Dade Head Start and the Early Learning Coalition of Broward County, over a 1,000 books will be given to students in need. In Broward, over 600 students will receive books.
“In the state of Florida, only about 53% of children are actually ready for kindergarten. Unfortunately for our lower income families, that number is even higher and so many studies show literacy is a huge indicator of how a child is going to do later on in life,“ said Renee Jaffe, CEO of Early Learning Coalition of Broward County.
Renee says the earlier parents read to their kids, the bigger chance for success.
“From the moment their child is born, we would love for parents to be reading to their children having them recognize sounds and looking at pictures and getting them excited about it. It’s also a great bonding opportunity,” said Renee.
John Chapmann, an IBK father, says he’s thankful and believes reading is crucial for his son.
“I think it’s great for the children to be receiving two books today so they know how to read and its good for them when they get older,” said John.
Since 2017, the Scripps Howard Foundation has distributed more than 352,000 new books to children in need across the nation.
“As a television station, we’re proud to support the community especially during a time like this. We’re hoping to grow literacy among our kids,” said Bill Siegel, GM.
“It’s important through this pandemic that there are efforts geared to children, especially those who aren’t attending school,” said Renee.
Renee says 60 students a IBK received two books on Tuesday. To learn more about the Scripps Howard Foundation’s “If You Give A Child A Book” campaign and how you can make a difference in a child’s life, click here.
