The K-16 Literacy Center at UT Tyler accepting applications for Born to Read Spring 2023 intake. Click here for more information.
Programs
Born to Read UT at Tyler
The Born to Read program, an early reading program, is designed for expectant parents and parents of young children, age five-years-old or younger, in the Tyler and East Texas region. The program provides parents with the tools they need to support their children's early language and literacy development. Born-to-Read is funded, in part, by the K-16 Literacy Center at the University of Texas at Tyler, the Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club, and the Phi Kappa Phi Organization.
Program Purpose:
The purpose of the program is to promote children’s early language and literacy skills, while helping parents understand their critical role as their child’s first and most important teacher.
Program Dates:
The Born to Read 2021-2022 Fall Program starts in October of 2021 and ends in May of 2022.
Program Incentives:
Participating families receive the following:
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A child literacy resource kit, plus two free books per month.
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A parent literacy resource kit.
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Ongoing support on how to raise a reader.
Program Requirements:
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Participate in monthly meetings from October of 2021 to May of 2022.
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Assist in documenting children’s early language and literacy growth.
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Pay a registration fee of $25 per family. Discounts are available for families who can document economic need.
Speaking is natural. Reading is not. Reading to your child develops stronger parent-child relationships and skills that last a lifetime.
What people are saying!
“My four year old can read. She wouldn’t be able to if it were not for all the time, resources, expertise and experience Born to Read has shared with us over the last three years. I have learned so much about early childhood development from everyone in this program. The tools and encouragement shared have led to my children’s love of reading.”
Shelly Barr
“My son, JR, has been a part of the Born to Read Program since he was one year old. Now that he is four, I’ve noticed how much he has grown over the years. His vocabulary is excellent! He understands and comprehends much quicker than other kids his age. His cognitive ability is well beyond his years. I contribute this to the Born to Read Program and reading to him every night. Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day it makes a difference. It has now become his favorite thing to do before going to bed.” Ashlea Wilson
"We have absolutely loved being a part of the Born to Read Program! We joined when our daughter was a newborn and have been a part of it now for almost 3 years. We have also recently added our infant son to the program. All the materials and resources we have received since day 1 have been so helpful to us as new parents. We didn't really know how incredibly important it was to read to our kids until joining the program. We have learned so much!
And we love the community of support we have received; from monthly meetings with children's authors and university professors to sharing ideas with other parents in the same phase of life as us, to emails full of fun activities, articles, and videos. And it is so helpful to have the accountability the program gives us. The daily time sheets we log our minutes on help keep us on track and motivated." Cecily Hall
