History
Read To Me International Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in March 1996 as a result of a partnership created by the Governor's Council for Literacy and Lifelong Learning and the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise. The Governor's Council comprised leading members from the business, labor, education, faith-based and community sectors. From 1992-1994 the Council and Rotary embarked on a successful multi-media campaign called "Read To Me," which resulted in a statewide campaign underscoring the importance of reading aloud. Its message was simple: "Every child in Hawaii will be read to every day for ten minutes."
As a result of the media efforts, inspired in large part to the teachings of Jim Trelease, author of The Read-Aloud Handbook, a round table was formed which facilitated and promoted reading activities statewide, including the production of a video establishing the why's and how-to's of reading aloud; the establishment of read-aloud programs in schools and businesses; presentations in schools, churches, and local communities; refurbishment of libraries; and book donations to schools, organizations, and libraries. Through the support of various partners, with Hawaii Pizza Hut serving as a major sponsor, a number of activities and projects were undertaken.
The program proved to be successful, the multi-media campaign having been adopted in over a dozen states, plus Canada and Malaysia. In March 1996, a nonprofit organization was created by the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunrise, and in August 1997, Read To Me International Foundation began operating with the support of Hawaii Pizza Hut, Inc. and the State of Hawaii's Department of Education.
Today the Foundation is active in the community, making presentations at schools, pre-schools, and local and national conferences. In addition, it creates programs and projects which promote reading aloud to children, and provides and produces materials and resources on the importance of reading to children. With a philosophy of working inclusively and collaboratively, Read To Me International serves as a leader in creating awareness on the importance of reading aloud to children. It also assists parties interested in establishing media campaigns which support community-based read-aloud programs and projects.
The organization believes now, more than ever, that in the simple act of reading aloud to young children every day, youngsters will gain the necessary skills to go to school ready to learn. It bases its belief in part on the 1985 Commission on Reading's report entitled Becoming a Nation of Readers, which states:
"The single most important activity for building the knowledge required for eventual success in reading is reading aloud to children."
In addition to read-aloud information, recent brain-development research reveals
the following:
- The first three years of life are critical years for brain development and for emotional and intellectual growth.
- Most of a child's brain development takes place after birth, when the child's 100 billion brain cells eventually connect in networks that allow thinking and learning to take place.
- The brain is wired for learning through connections which are created by positive stimulation, such as singing, touching and reading aloud. Such connections help the child to form attachments to parents, family members, and other caregivers.
- A child's sense of security and worth, so essential in raising healthy children capable of handling stress later in life, is nurtured through positive experiences such as reading aloud.
Read to Me International Foundation's emphasis on reading aloud—beginning in the early years and continuing throughout a child's education...and even beyond—supports the practical application of today's brain research.