Reading is Better… with “H” and Cheddar

Story

My name is John Hanewall and I have been operating a volunteer reading program for 1st graders for just over a year. I am completely self funded and rely on donations to fund my program with books, puppets, shirts, and other incentives to get children excited about reading. Since I’m retired, time is not an issue, however funding for materials is. I read monthly to each class with new books and puppets. Research has shown that when adults read aloud to young children it increases their attention span, builds their vocabulary, improves comprehension and demonstrates the value of reading. A child who reads, will be an adult who Thinks! In our fast paced, tech oriented society that we live in, children need to continue to be taught the value of reading. The motto I incorporate in each class, beginning with our first meeting is “Readers Make Leaders”! Funding will be used to purchase books, puppets, (which have been proven to increase connection to the stories, increase attention and spur conversations), t shirts, and other items used in conjunction with the books that are read (such as maps, trinkets, etc). Reading is Better… started out with one school. I have been able to expand the program to three 1st grade classes at three different schools. My hope is to grow the program by at least 2 more classes/schools. However to do this, I need funding help. As Carl Sagan stated, “One of the greatest gifts adults can give to their offspring and society… is to read to children”. Please consider any donation you can provide to support this program. Thank you. ”H” and Cheddar (my book-rat partner/puppet)