Read from the Start

Children who grow up hearing stories and looking at books will fall in love with language. Read from the Start, a Missouri Humanities family reading initiative, is offered free of charge and empowers parents and caregivers to read to their young and school age children (0-12).

RFTS (Read from the Start) participants have the opportunity to learn about high-quality children’s books and the importance reading has on a child’s future. Participants may choose to receive a Literacy Kit, which includes 2-3 books, to aid in the literacy of young and school age children (0-12). Participants will obtain the tools to successfully share exciting books and stories with their children.

Children who grow up hearing stories and engaging with books have a better chance of falling in love with language and succeeding in school. Research shows that reading aloud is the single most important activity a caregiver can do to help a child prepare for reading and learning. Read from the Start (RFTS), empowers parents and caregivers to read to their young children regularly- helping them form early habits that foster a lifelong love of reading.