Reading skills provide building blocks for the future

Strong reading skills begin for students in kindergarten through 4th grade. Reading is the foundation for learning in every subject, and during American Reads month in March, families and educators are reminded how important it is to nurture a love of books and literacy at home. 

Having books available at home and spending time reading together can help children build vocabulary and strengthen comprehension.

Programs like ASU America Reads connect children with trained tutors who provide personalized support in reading, writing and math through one-on-one or small group instruction aligned with academic standards.

“My child loves the program and is very fond of her tutor. She has made improvements in her reading ability and word recognition,” a parent of an America Reads student said.

Carlos Rodriguez, a former America Reads tutor, emphasized that working with students who have different levels of comprehension allowed him to create individualized materials and instruction to meet students where they were, helping ensure every child has the opportunity to strengthen their reading abilities.

Parents can support early literacy in simple ways: read with children every day, ask questions about stories and encourage kids to talk about what they learned. Community resources like public libraries also play a key role. With free access to books, story times and literacy programs, they help families build strong reading habits together.