Get Caught Reading with Dinosaur Train

Research has proven that early language experience stimulates a child's brain to grow and reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school. Member organizations of the Association of American Publishers (AAP) participate in a variety of ways inGet Caught Readingto encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives.

As part of theGet Caught Readingcampaign, Buddy, from Dinosaur Train, is depicted “caught reading” in posters made available to teachers and parents for use in classrooms, libraries and other locations. The “Buddy” poster is available athttp://www.getcaughtreading.org/celebrity-posters.php. Posters are FREE plus a $5.00 charge per set (1 – 12 posters) for shipping and handling! The order form is available here:http://www.getcaughtreading.org/orderforms/GetCaughtReading-PosterOrderForm.pdf.

According to AAP Vice President Tina Jordan, “Dinosaur Train is one of the most popular and frequently requestedGet Caught Readingposters by the elementary school and library community and AAP is grateful to The Jim Henson Company for allowing Buddy to join ourGCRcommunity.”

InGuess Who Buddy!, “What’s that dinosaur?” is the question Buddy needs to answer as he plays a guessing game with his friends. Kids can play along with Buddy by reading the playful descriptive text for each hidden character, guessing the dinosaur, then lifting the flap to see if they are right! A surprise pop-up at the end of the story adds to the charm of this fun book. SRP $10.99. Ages 2 (aff) and up. Will loved this book. He loved being able to interact with some of his favorite characters. I love that the flaps are easy to lift, so that the youngest ones can do it.

According toUnited We Serve, a nationwide service initiative that helps meet growing social needs resulting from the economic downturn, 80% of preschool and after-school programs serving low-income populations have no age-appropriate books for their children. A recent study shows that while in middle-income neighborhoods the ratio of age-appropriate books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods the ratio is 1 for every 300 children.

The most successful way to improve the reading achievement of low-income children is to increase their access to print. Communities ranking high in achievement tests have several factors in common: an abundance of books in public libraries, easy access to books in the community at large and a large number of textbooks per student.

Anyone can get together to help increase reading achievement and literacy by organizing a book drive. This tool kit (http://www.serve.gov/toolkits/book-drive/index.asp<http://www.serve.gov/toolkits/book-drive/index.asp) provides the basics to run a book drive, organize your group, and make an impact.

Or, simply commit to donating your gently used books to local organizations. Here are some tips:

  • Consider libraries, non-profit children’s organizations for homeless, foster children and struggling families, Goodwill and Children’s Hospital’s thrift stores, and after-school programs.
  • Call the charity or organization and see if they accept used children’s books and what their guidelines are.
  • Go through your books and make sure all pages are present, readable and stain-free.

You can also checkDonation Town, an online directory of charities that offer donation pick up services.

Enjoy reading not only this month, but every month this year!!

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.

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