Rapid City is joining a nationwide campaign for grade level reading. United Way and Rapid City Area Schools are working to help children start reading by third grade. The effort is partnering with local organizations to support the goal.
Shannon Fish is a fourth grade teacher in Rapid City. She has been reading to her 3 year old daughter Aurora since she was born.
The national campaign for reading focuses on teaching children to read before third grade to ensure they are successful in school.
Danita Simons is the community impact director for United Way. She said early reading skills are an important part of preventing children from falling behind in their studies.
“Reading with your kids—start early. I mean we’re talking at birth. And when your baby is born, read to them. You’re teaching that skill right away. Even though they might not be able to communicate with you, they can hear you. And to your teaching that value of reading and they’ll grow to love it. And by doing that, you’re helping the little ones be ready,” said Simons.
Simons explained that the campaign extends beyond reading. It also addresses barriers preventing kids from being successful such as truancy and summer learning loss.
“The intent is to get kids to not struggle and frustrated—to go to school and enjoy being there and love learning. And then in the long run, what that will show us is that little ones grow up and that they love school. They graduate and they move onto a brighter future. A successful future where they can support themselves,” Simons said.
She says the program has partnered with nearly 150 local organizations to discuss the struggles facing children.
Parents like Shannon Fish reading to her 3 year old daughter think that the program is a benefit to the community.