GFPS aims literacy efforts at newborns

If strong reading skills lead to strong learning skills, which leads to graduation, then the Books for Babies partnership with Great Falls Public Schools and Benefis Health System should be a step in the right direction, but it needs the public's help.

Every child born at Benefis Health System will be given a new board book along with a pamphlet of literacy information in a small book bag designed by local volunteers. So far, 957 new board books have been handed out to parents as they are registering to have their baby at the hospital, according to Carol Paul, literacy coach for Great Falls Public Schools. The district had a $5,000 grant to spend on those books.

"We know readers begin in the laps of their parents," Paul said.

However, there are about 1,800 children born at Benefis each year, and Paul said the district is in need of more new board books. From now until June 19, new board books and gently used children's books can be dropped off in the front entry of the Great Falls Tribune, 205 River Drive S. The new board books will go toward the Books for Babies program, the other gently used books will go toward many of the other literacy programs the district runs.

At Tuesday's school board meeting, Paul and other members of the Ready Families, Ready Learners group talked about all of the efforts underway in the school district and through community partnerships to get kids ready not just for kindergarten, but preschool. By reaching kids and getting them and their parents excited about reading early, it will hopefully put those students on a positive trajectory as they make their way to the high school graduation stage.

The Ready Families, Ready Learners is an off-shoot of the local Graduation Matters efforts being coordinated by United Way of Cascade County.

"We challenged ourselves to think of this at an elementary level," said Ruth Uecker, assistant superintendent for elementary schools in Great Falls.

The Books for Babies initiative is just one program the school district is working on to improve literacy. The district also provides community bookshelves in various locations like the Great Falls Rescue Mission, Opportunities Inc., and local food pantries.

"It's all connected," Paul said. "If (kids) are excited about books and they know there is a story in there, they are more likely to persevere."

Additionally, this summer Paul and others will hit the streets of Great Falls, targeting lower income neighborhoods are part of their Summer Read 6 book giveaway initiative. The idea behind the six books is research that shows if students read six age-appropriate books throughout the summer it keeps their literacy rates steady as they head into a new school year and Paul said they target the neighborhood where kids may not have ready access to books.

Last year the district gave away 3,565 books during the Summer Read 6 initiative. This year, Paul said the district is expecting to give away 5,000 books, thanks to a donation from an anonymous donor. The district also provided a limited selection of books for adults during their book dropoffs last summer and aims to do it again.

"Parents are the first, best teachers," Paul said. "If the parents love it, the kids will love it."

Reach Tribune Staff Writer Kristen Cates at 791-1463. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_KCates.

Book dropoff at the Tribune:

New baby board books and any gently-used children's books can be dropped off at the Tribune Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., through June 19.

If individuals want to donate money for the Books for Babies or other literacy programs:

Make checks payable to Great Falls Public Schools Foundation with "books for babies" or "summer reading" in the memo

P.O. Box 2429, Great Falls, MT 59403