Ready 2 Read is the newest
component of the Better Basics programs, introducing second graders in Birmingham City Schools
to the joys of reading. Research reveals that children become better readers if they are surrounded by a wealth of books.
Therefore, Ready 2 Read provides a library of hardback books to every second-grade classroom. This classroom library
is available for children to utilize at designated times during the school day. Once a student reads a Ready 2 Read book,
he records the title of the book on his record log and rates the book. Community volunteers, who are recruited by Better
Basics, visit each classroom twice a month to review the record logs and read to the class from a favorite book and award
incentive prizes. These experiences with the community volunteers not only expose children to a variety of literature but
also improve the children's listening and comprehension skills. At the end of the school year, the classrooms that have taken
good care of their books are rewarded with a celebration. This opportunity will encourage children to read for pleasure
at an early age which fosters life-long learning. The Ready 2 Read program in Birmingham City Schools is a partnership
with the Rotaract Club of Birmingham. The Ready 2 Read program in Jefferson County Schools, Bessemer City Schools, and
Fairfield City Schools is partially funded by an anonymous donor. For
more information on Ready 2 Read, please contact Scottie Vickery at svickery@betterbasics.org or 205.944.2928.
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