Read Early, Read Aloud Literacy Campaign Wraps UpDecember 15, 2008 |
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 During November, First 5 LA brought literacy into the homes of thousands of children through the Read Early, Read Aloud literacy campaign. The multifaceted campaign was carried out through a combined effort between First 5 LA and First 5 commissions throughout Southern California, community leaders, and public and private partnerships. Below are some campaign highlights. Click here to view a photo montage of the events. Campaign Launch - Festival of Readers Held November 8th at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar, the Festival of Readers drew a crowd of more than 1,200 children and parents. The launch featured First 5 LA Executive Director Evelyn Martinez and Commissioner Angie Stockwell speaking on the importance of reading to children at an early age. Radio celebrity and literacy campaign spokesperson Josefa Salinas (HOT 92.3) was M.C. of the event. The festival organized by a consortium of more than eight non-profit organizations dealing with child advocacy gave families the opportunity to engage in literacy-related activities, and gave each child free books to take home. Cross-Regional Event - East Los Angeles County Library Family Story Time First 5 Commissions of Southern California all held literacy-related events on November 12th in order to send a regional message on the importance of literacy in the home. Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina joined First 5 LA at a Family Story Time at East Los Angeles Public Library. Event highlights include spotlighting the significance of a $1 million grant First 5 LA is providing to fund more Family Place Libraries and the presentation of a Champion for Children Award to Penny Markey, Coordinator of Youth Services at the L.A. County Public Libraries. Children also participated in bilingual read-alongs led by Supervisor Molina and HOT 92.3's Josefa Salinas. Scholastic Book Fair at 92nd Street Elementary School The Scholastic Book Fair was a partnership established to promote literacy at an early age. Scholastic donated books for children attending the event, which included the L.A.'s Best School Program from 92nd Street School, First 5 LA grantees and WIC centers. HOT 92.3's Josefa Salinas and actor Khleo Thomas (from the Disney movie "Holes") did read-alongs and spoke to the children and their families about using literacy to succeed in school and in life. Held at the SOAR Community Center in Central Los Angeles, the event featured read-alongs and tips from librarians on how to read to young children. Long-time Los Angeles educator and First 5 LA Commissioner Harriette Williams, HOT 92.3 D.J. Big Wes and Maxine Jackson, founder and director of Cameron Eugene Jackson Children's Library, all participated in the read-alongs. ‹‹Back to this week's Monday Morning Report |
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