Research shows that kids’ literacy depends not only on their reading skills but also their knowledge and vocabulary. To thrive as readers, kids need lots of books at their fingertips and the support of their parents and caregivers at home, who can teach them about the world around them.

That’s why every student at Soddy Elementary School will receive a grade-level book in quarters two, three, and four this year. These books will include a home activity sheet, designed by Hamilton County Schools literacy experts, that will empower parents and caregivers with questions and activities they can use to build their kids’ reading skills and knowledge and vocabulary. We hope to spark meaningful conversations and deeper thinking about the skills and topics students are learning about in school each quarter. By reading and talking about the books with your child, you can help them improve their literacy skills!

This is a key strategy in Chattanooga 2.0’s Literacy Plan, and we will be measuring the impact Family Reads has on literacy in the hopes of establishing a proof point that we can scale across Hamilton County. Together, we’re turning reading into a shared experience that extends beyond school walls into homes across Hamilton County. Get ready for some amazing reading journeys, and let’s explore the world of learning, one page at a time!