UNITED WE READ is a campaign dedicated to providing the tools and resources for young children to read at grade-level by the start of fourth grade brought to you by United Way and its partners.
We know that reading is an essential tool for success in school, work and life. Research tells us that reading proficiently by the start of fourth grade an important predictor of high school graduation and career success. Yet only 40 percent of fourth graders in Oklahoma are meeting this crucial milestone.
United WE READ has partnered with our school systems, municipalities and local business & volunteers to ensure our children are learning to read and then reading to learn!
Get Involved:
For parents and caregivers:
• Read with your child for 20 minutes a day.
• Talk and sing to your child starting at birth to help build their vocabulary.
• Ensure that school age children are attending everyday (in-person or virtually).
• Connect your children with quality early learning and out of school time programs.
• Enroll in Dolly Parton Imagination Library to receive FREE books that will be mailed to you at home.
Why is reading to kids important?
- Reading helps kids develop not only language skills, but other brain functions like emotional regulation.
- Hearing stories helps spark kids' curiosity and imagination, building positive feelings about reading.
- When adults model good reading habits, kids are more likely to become lifelong readers.
Volunteer: United Way Readers Event
Join us March 6th for United We Read; a new volunteer event that helps kids build a love of reading. We're looking for volunteers to read to elementary school students.
Sign up below!
