A Love of Language. A Love of Books.

Judy Schroeder
Senior Manager,
Neighborhood Engagement

When I was little, I can remember only one set of books in the house. My dad read the paper. But my mom would open up My Book House, the BIG BOOK of nursery rhymes, and the next volume with fairy tales from around the world. Now, that was a long time ago…once upon a time…but I don’t remember any of my neighbor friends having lots of children’s books, either.

Maybe that’s why I can relate so well to Metro United Way's Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and the families enrolled, as well as our neighborhood parent advocates. The day I got that Golden Book, What Do Daddies Do All Day?, it was absolutely precious to me. (My daddy was just starting out as a mailman.)

So, how did I find this love for language that I have? For expressing myself? For being curious about others? For reading? My mother talked to me, that’s how. She actually asked questions, my whole life. Even as an infant, I’m sure, because I watched her do that with each of my brothers and sisters.

13 Pictures That Will Inspire You to Read to a Child

Need another inspiring reason to read to a child?

We encouraged folks to support International Literacy Day yesterday by posting a #LiteracySelfie; here's our best so far!

 The "Grumps" reading a BIG book with Roman!

5 Easy Ways To Get Your Child Excited About Reading

By Katy Miller

Creating a culture of literacy in your home may seem like a heavy venture. In reality, however, it’s very simple and doesn’t require a tremendous monetary investment. It only requires time, commitment and attention, all of which are free.

In our house, we believe that learning is not confined to a certain time of day or setting. It’s not about passing any kind of test or measuring our child against other children. It’s about being committed to forming a productive and happy adult who will serve the world in a positive, thoughtful and memorable way.

I Didn’t Realize Third Grade Was So Important

By Melody Murphy

Read with your child for 20 minutes every night.

That’s been the mantra of my kids’ teachers since my oldest (who is now a junior at Ballard High School) was in kindergarten.  I never really thought much of it because I began reading to my children when they were babies, so doing this was not a huge deal.  Although, I admit, I sometimes felt that a teacher REQUIRING this on top of nightly homework was a bit much to ask.

Until now.