Calgary Reads is an early literacy initiative changing the lives of struggling grade 1 and 2 readers and their families in Calgary and area schools.

25% of Canadian children entering grade 2 today are already significantly behind their peers in literacy and learning skills. With early intervention in grades 1 and 2, most struggling young readers can catch up. Research indicates there is an ideal window of opportunity (Kindergarten to Grade 2) in which a student’s basic literacy skills must be developed. Children most at risk often require consistent individual attention from trained adults, in addition to strong classroom literacy programs. Calgary Reads works within this window of opportunity.

Calgary Reads is also taking steps to educate the importance of language through reading, singing, playing and talking, as building blocks to literacy, for newborns through to kindergarten. Realizing that literacy starts with language means realizing that even a toddler or preschooler is getting ready to read.

Why is Early Literacy Important?

• Literacy is important because it is a fundamental life skill.
• Increased reading levels improve an individual’s self-esteem, academic achievement, career and parenting success.
• Literacy drives economic growth, productivity and innovation. It enables curiousity, creativity and critical thinking.
• Literacy results in increased quality of life.
• Literate children have a greater chance of becoming competent and contributing members of our society who are economically self-sufficient.
• Poor literacy is related to diminished self esteem, high school drop-out rates, long term unemployment, ill health and high crime rates.

“I love being able to see the joy in a child’s eyes when they realize they are reading.”

~ Calgary Reads Volunteer