Have you had a learning checkup?

	United Way of Greater Chattanooga
	GIVE, ADVOCATE, VOLUNTEER.	EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION NEWS

	EDUCATION UPDATE
	EDUCATION UPDATE

Reading Tips for All Ages

Your talking, singing and story telling and your child's playful experiences with books are the building blocks for communicating, reading and writing. Here are some simple ways you and your child can enjoy books together.

Minutes count. Read to your child daily. Experts recommend 30 minutes, and you can divide the time between morning and nighttime sessions.
Smart finders. Point to the words as you read - especially in large-print books.
Rhyme time. Kids naturally remember rhymes. Use this as a reading tool. Have your child guess the end of a rhyming sentences such as: "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great_______."
Questions - Answers. Ask your child questions such as, "What do you think happens next?" Welcome questions about the story. Make it a two-way conversation.
Kudos. Praise your child for listening, turning pages, mouthing words, and, as he/she progresses, for helping with the reading.

Parents: Register for a Free Book and Conference on June 20 @ 9:30 a.m.

We have programs focused on school readiness and early grade success, but what will it take to ensure that every child in Hamilton County is ready? Hear from leading experts and policymakers and join us in taking the next steps. Register for this critical community workshop. This event is free and open to the public.

The first 150 registered attendants will receive a complimentary copy of keynote speaker Paul Tough's book, Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada's Quest to Change Harlem and America, thanks to a generous donation by the Community Foundation.

RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/rsvpschoolreadinessforum or contact Elizabeth Crews at 423.425.5616 for more details.



$15 provides 1 child 1 book every month for 1 year. Learn More

Annual Learning Checkups

One of the best things about enrolling your children for free books is taking them for their annual learning check up every year. These check ups are important to ensure that your children are developmentally on track for their age. If you find your child is not on track, we put you in touch with any services you may need to help. Parents who bring their child in for their annual check up will receive free tickets to the Creative Discovery Museum in the mail. Just call Jan Brooks at 423-752-0328 to find out how you can schedule a learning check up for your child. Link

Our work in Education

INVESTING IN CHILDREN
Children who have the skills to succeed in school are more likely to graduate high school, get good jobs, and contribute to our local economy.Some of our results in the area of Education:

When children have access to books in the home, they are more likely to be prepared for success in school. Nearly 17,000 area children get a free book each month through Project Ready for School.
United Way provides free early learning checkups for children and free parent education
courses.