Parents of 3, 4 and 5-year-old children are invited to sign up for free text messages from "Ready4K," provided by ParentPowered Public Benefit Corporation in partnership with the State Library of North Carolina. It's part of a program developed by Stanford University which shows that fun facts received by texts can greatly increase children's learning. Cell data and message rates may apply.
Each week parents will receive bite-sized bits of informative tips and easy actions to help develop literacy skills while having fun with family routines. The messages are also available in Spanish. For example:
- Monday - Fact: Build literacy skills at the grocery store by asking your child to name all the fruits and vegetables s/he can think of.
- Wednesday - Tip: Go on a letter hunt in the grocery store. Ask your child to find an "A" on a sign, box or food label. What about "B"? Can they go to "Z"?
- Friday - Growth: Keep building skills at the store. Ask: What rhymes with egg (leg, peg) or jelly (belly, deli) or cheese (knees, please)?
The easy-to-implement program is available to help with literacy, math, social and emotional learning and health. While the program targets 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, parents of younger children may participate although the tips are targeted to the specified group. Information is online at http://statelibrary.ncdcr.gov/ld/services/ready4k/Ready4K.html or http://tiny.cc/rjc9ey.
If your child is age 3, text R4K NC3 to 70138. If your child is age 4, text R4K NC4 to 70138. For age 5, text R4K NC5 to 70138. Parents may text STOP at any time to discontinue the program.
With additional questions, text HELP to 70138 or email support@parentpowered.com. To contact the State Library of North Carolina, please call Lori Special at 919 907-7425 or lori.special@ncdcr.gov.
The State Library of North Carolina is a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources that builds the capacity of all libraries across the state, develops and supports access to North Carolina history and genealogy information resources and administers the Summer Reading Program. The State Library provides library services and reading materials for North Carolinians who are blind or have visual or physical disabilities.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. Led by Secretary Susan Kluttz, NCDNCR's mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to
experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state's history, conserving the state's natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.
NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette's Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the N.C. Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call (919) 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.