Did you know that 66% of children are not reading at their expected grade level? This can be a heartbreaking reality for many families. When a child struggles with reading, it can feel overwhelming as they fall further behind their peers. The unfortunate truth is that this gap tends to widen over time, impacting not only their academic journey but also their self-esteem and the opportunities available to them in the future.
That’s where the Behind Cycle program, created by Jo Ann Gramlich—a caring speech therapist and award-winning author of *Talk, Play, and Read*—comes in. This program is dedicated to breaking this cycle and fostering a strong foundation for language and literacy skills. From the earliest days, it’s so important to engage your child in activities that stimulate their senses, helping them make sense of the world around them. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we have the power to create enriching learning experiences. By encouraging children to express what they see, hear, smell, touch, and feel, we also support their language development and comprehension. These crucial developmental phases lay the groundwork for lifelong learning.
During the formative years, from kindergarten through 2nd grade, children are beginning to learn how to read, and by 3rd grade, they grow excited about reading to learn. Think about the butterfly life cycle. Kids start with simple concepts like butterflies, caterpillars, and eggs before progressing to more advanced vocabulary such as pupa, larva, and chrysalis. This progression matters greatly! Early intervention reveals the powerful connection between language development, reading skills, and academic achievement. We must take this responsibility seriously and support our young learners at every stage of their journey. Remember, being able to read by third grade is a significant predictor of a child’s success in the future.
Our mission is to empower children with the skills they need to excel academically and inspire them to reach their fullest potential. Through our donatable program, we’re here to support families and communities, ensuring that children can catch up and thrive. We can nurture their growing minds by talking, playing, and reading with them at every stage of their development. By fostering these vital skills early on, we can help close the gap and ensure that no child feels left behind. Together, we can create a brighter future for all our children.
Want to make a difference in a child’s life? Donate to our Behind Cycle and help us provide resources to children in need.
