SXSW EDU 2025
If We Build It, They Will Read: Igniting Literacy from Birth
Description:
The evidence and brain science make clear that an enduring literacy foundation is built over the first decade of life, starting at birth. Yet literacy, a basic civil right, is still elusive for many families due to failing systems and siloed initiatives. Our session will present a case for an early literacy system-of-care approach that begins at birth and continues throughout a child’s first decade. This system of care starts in the home, is powered by parents, and is nourished with books. It is designed to be embedded within existing systems, ultimately leading to sustainable transformation.
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Takeaways
- The basic civil right of literacy is out of reach for many American children: 60% of third graders cannot read proficiently at the end of third grade.
- Literacy starts at birth, in the home, powered by parents, and nourished with books. An enduring lifetime of literacy is built over the first decade.
- Literacy equity can be realized by equipping every family with the tools and support to build robust literacy, via an early literacy system of care.
Speakers
- Ginger Young, Founder and CEO, Book Harvest
- Joe Waters, Co-Founder and CEO, Capita
- Joy Thomas Moore, President and CEO, JWS Media Consulting
- Kyle Zimmer, President, CEO, and Co-Founder, First Book
Organizer
Benay Hicks, Chief External Relations Officer, Book Harvest
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