Ways to get started as a Reading Captain
As a Reading Captain, you’re now part of Philly’s early literacy movement. And we’re so grateful to have you on this journey!
You know your community. More importantly, your community knows and trusts you. You’re tuned into its needs, its strengths, its stories, and characters. And the hopes and dreams families hold for their children.
That trust? Those relationships? They are powerful. And now, with the knowledge you’ve gained from your Reading Captain training about how kids learn to read and ways to support them, you’re even more ready to make a difference. All of this makes you the right person to spark conversations about early literacy and connect parents and caregivers with valuable resources.
Here are a few ideas to help you hit the ground running. These are just suggestions. Pick what feels right for you and your neighbors.
Share reading tips and resources with parents and caregivers.
Chat with neighbors. Whether you’re at the park, the bus stop, or the playground, strike up a conversation with parents and caregivers. Drop a tip like, “Hey, practicing letter sounds is just as important as letter names. Have you checked out the Philly ABCs yet?” Start with people you already know. Ask what’s working for them.
Drop off resources where families gather. Post flyers at your local coffee shop, laundromat, place of worship, or rec center. Or hand out bookmarks or the Reading Promise Album.
Share that library love. Put a sign in your window that says you love the library. Throw in a QR code so families can scan it and get info about signing up for their library card right then and there.
Build a sidewalk library. Set up a small box with free books on your street. Add a sign inviting families to “Take one, leave one!” Here’s a how-to guide.
Draw an alphabet hopscotch on your sidewalk! Games like this ignite big and small learning moments—plus, it’s a blast for everyone (grownups included)! Here are more creative sidewalk games.
Host a family workshop. Invite families to a Parent Workshop on Early Reading Skills or Active Reading Training.
Share on social media. Post literacy tips and resources on Facebook and Instagram. Are you following @readby4th yet? We share fun things for families and more.
Host a book block party or table at community events. Adding an early literacy twist to the gatherings already happening in your neighborhood is a powerful way to get families excited about reading. Need free books to give away? These orgs have you covered.
Tell a parent they’re doing a great job. We’re all juggling a lot, and a few kind words can go a long way. Words have power, so use yours to inspire and lift up families in your community.
Champion early literacy and advocate for policies that help all children become strong readers.
Take action. Explore how local advocacy efforts are changing the lives of Philly’s young readers—and how you can help. Consider hanging an advocacy poster (or five!) in your neighborhood.
Learn and share. The more you know, the more you can help others. Check out Read by 4th’s Reading List for articles about the science of reading, family engagement, advocacy, and more. Or join us for a Lunch & Learn. This virtual series brings local and national literacy thought-leaders straight to your screen.
Host a watch party. Host a screening of an early literacy documentary with friends or neighbors. It’s a great way to spread awareness and kick off a meaningful conversation.
Talk to elected officials. Make your voice heard about why literacy matters! Write a letter to your senator or show up at a City Council meeting and ask for more funding for our schools and libraries. Find your elected officials here.
Write an op-ed. Love to write? Pen an op-ed sharing why early reading matters—personal stories and real talk can spark change. Check out these tips from the Op-Ed Project for help getting started.
Spread the word about Read by 4th, stay connected, and inspire others to join Philly’s early literacy movement.
Sign up for Read by 4th’s newsletter for the latest news and opportunities from the movement.
Share your story. Post about your work as a Reading Captain and why literacy matters and tag @readby4th. A quick photo of you handing out books or hosting a workshop can inspire others.
Tell a friend to become a Reading Captain. Tell your neighbors about becoming a Reading Captain and how easy it is to make a difference.
Whatever steps you take, just know this: small nudges from a caring neighbor can have a HUGE impact on parents’ engagement and student success. Every conversation, every shared resource, and every little action brings Philly’s children closer to reading success.
You’re already the spark that ignites a brighter future for your neighborhood. Thank you for using it to shine a light on early literacy.
