ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Denise Rising
Navigator, Northeast Ohio Adoption Services (Region 4)
Denise is a graduate of Kent State University with a BS in Criminal Justice. She has also worked in the community of Warren, Ohio in community organizing, vacant lot development, walking and biking, and access to playgrounds and parks. Recently, Denise was an outreach coordinator and program manager at a non-profit Trumbull Neighborhood Partnership. She is currently a member of a communal garden in her neighborhood, growing vegetables, fruit, berries and herbs that are available to community members on a former school building site. Volunteers engage the community with activities that include mindfulness, wellness and growing pesticide-free food. She is also the secretary of the Fowler Township Historical society, where she grew up.
Reading a book takes you places in your mind that your feet may not be able to take you. Let’s go!
Literacy is a key to lifelong learning. When you read books out loud to young children, you are creating a safe space for them to hear the written word. Hearing the tone and intention in your voice, they are free to experience the story. Children learn about the characters, the plot, and the ending. Picture books teach everyday objects, alphabet, numbers, and first words. What they hear and see are imprinted in their minds. Imagine all the pictures that are stored there for them to access over and over!
Learning is continuous throughout our lifetime. Reading is the gateway to learning. Reading and relaxing with a good book are a great way to rest your mind from the hectic pace of the day. You can read to learn about a specific topic, a place to visit, or just for fun.
Local Libraries have free summer reading programs to keep kids reading through the summer months when school is not in session. Your library may also offer age-appropriate connecting activities that can include play or art. Your library may participate in “Every child ready to read.” This is a national initiative to help libraries share early literacy knowledge with adults who are caring for young children. Here is a link to learn more about this initiative: www.ohreadytoread.org
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio is available to all kids from birth to age 5. They will receive one book in the mail every month through their fifth birthday. More information and how to sign up is available on this link for the Ohio Imagination Library. www.ohioimaginationlibrary.org
Little Free Libraries can be found all over the world, inspiring readers and providing free access to books for all ages. Go to: www.littlefreelibrary.org. They also have a mobile app that can be accessed on your phone. You may have a Little Free Library that’s within walking distance for you.
Your child’s doctor may be a part of Reach Out and Read. If so, they have been trained to help caregivers of young children engage in reading together. At your next well-child visit, check in with your child’s doctor to see if they have any reading resources. Learn more about the program at www.reachoutandread.org
Go out and get a book or two to read with your child(ren) and have a great summer adventure!
