Reading Matters - SMART Reading

Reading is the Gateway to Learning and Opportunity for Oregon’s Kids

At SMART Reading, we hold to one simple truth: Reading matters. It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other injustices.

SMART Reading comes alongside Oregon’s highest need schools and marginalized communities to support kids and build brighter futures through books and reading. Because the simple magic and joy of a shared book can change a child’s life trajectory.

Here, you will find resources, research and statistics on childhood literacy and how to set children on the pathway to realizing their full potential through reading.

Lift, Touch, and Read: Active Books for Little Hands

Reposted from: Scholastic Parents

Parent reading a soft board book with a baby on the floor

5 Ways to Gently Build Your Child’s Reading Confidence

Reposted from: Scholastic Parents

Parents sitting on a couch with child reading a picture book

When children are learning to read independently, some will attempt it happily, accepting correction with ease and without fear of making mistakes. Some, though, will not. Many children… Read More ›

10 Tips for Reading Readiness and Learning Letters

Reposted from: Kids Activities Blog

A child holding "ABC" blocks in their hand

Finding the Right Book for Your Child

Reposted from: Reading Rockets

Parent reading a book with child

What makes children want to read books? Well, the most important tip is that a book has to be of interest to your child. Reading Rockets provided some… Read More ›

What You Can Do at Home to Inspire Literacy

Reposted from: KinderCare

An adult reading a picture books with a child.

Studies have shown that the single greatest predictor of a child’s academic achievement is parental involvement. In fact, every action you take sets an example for your child…. Read More ›

Tips for Books that Help Ease Kindergarten Nervousness

Reposted from: Scholastic, Inc.

A child stands in front of a filled bookshelf with a vibrant all with children's book characters in the background

There are many ways you can prepare your child to face the challenges of entering kindergarten. Providing kindergarten-themed books is one of the most effective. Scholastic, Inc. provides… Read More ›

The Best Defense Against Bullying: Arming Your Kids With Stories

Reposted from: The Huffington Post

A young child looks out of a window

Pam Allyn, founder and executive director of LitWorld and LitLife, wrote an excellent blog entry about how books can help both bullies and their victims cope with life’s… Read More ›

Parent Involvement in Early Literacy is the Key to Academic Success

Reposted from: Teach Preschool

A SMART volunteer sits and reads to a child

Parent Involvement in Early Literacy is the Key to Academic Success by Deborah J. Stewart, M.ED. on Jan. 18, 2011 A study conducted last spring in over 27 countries and over 20… Read More ›

Strategies for Reading Aloud with Children

SMART Reader smiles at a young girl who is smiling and reading a book

Reading aloud is an incredibly valuable activity to do with children who are emerging readers. Among the benefits of reading aloud, it exposes a child to rich language,… Read More ›