#United States #Kiddie Academy #Abingdon #literacy events #Storytime LIVE

Kiddie Academy's Storytime LIVE! Events

Kiddie Academy, a prominent educational child care provider, is making waves in the early education sector with its Storytime LIVE! initiative. Over 200 franchise locations will host this free reading event, inviting families to come together to enjoy popular children's literature. The events will take place on various weekends throughout July, August, and September.

The event features engaging read-alouds from beloved titles such as Dragons Love Tacos and Pete the Cat, allowing children to immerse themselves in storytelling while also interacting with live representations of their favorite book characters. This initiative aims not only to entertain but also to instill a love for reading in young minds.

Joy Turner, the Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy, emphasizes the importance of reading in child development. She states, "When parents and children read together, children gain language and social-emotional skills while also bonding and building a more secure attachment." Turner refers to extensive research that highlights reading as one of the most beneficial activities for a child's cognitive growth.

The Decline of Reading and the Rise of Screen Time

Despite the proven benefits of reading, recent statistics suggest a decline in literacy rates among children, attributed in part to the increase in screen time. A survey conducted by HarperCollins UK revealed that less than 50% of parents with children up to age 13 consider reading aloud to their kids as a fun activity. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), if current trends continue, U.S. literacy levels could fall further, having already dropped nearly 10 points since 2017.

Kiddie Academy’s Storytime LIVE! is a direct response to these concerning trends. Turner remarks, "Through our Life Essentials® curriculum and nationwide Storytime LIVE! events, we hope to encourage a love of reading in children and to show parents how to make reading fun for their whole family." The program aims not only to boost engagement with books but also to foster community through shared experiences in local Academies.

In an effort to promote literacy beyond the Storytime events, Kiddie Academy has published a book titled Day One Is Fun! in November 2023. This book showcases the socialization and learning benefits of educational child care and aims to ease the nerves of children starting their first day in care. Families visiting a Kiddie Academy may receive a free copy while supplies last.

Get Involved: How Families Can Participate

Families eager to participate in Storytime LIVE! can find and register for events at participating Academy locations by visiting the Kiddie Academy website at kiddieacademy.com/academies/event/storytime-live/. For those looking to locate a Kiddie Academy near them, additional information can be found on kiddieacademy.com/academies.

About Kiddie Academy

Founded in 1981, Kiddie Academy has established itself as a leader in the field of educational child care. Providing services for children aged six weeks to 12 years, the academy offers full and part-time care, before- and after-school programs, and summer camps. The Life Essentials® Curriculum implemented by Kiddie Academy supports various methods and activities to ensure children are prepared for life's challenges. Additionally, the organization actively participates in philanthropic efforts through partnerships with nonprofits like Family Promise, promoting character education that extends beyond the classroom. Kiddie Academy's commitment to quality education is recognized through its accreditation by the Cognia accreditation system.

With over 350 locations in 40 states and Washington, D.C., serving nearly 40,000 children, Kiddie Academy remains dedicated to enhancing early childhood education. For queries about franchising or additional information, visit franchising.kiddieacademy.com.

Join the Movement

As Kiddie Academy's Storytime LIVE! events get underway, this initiative not only promises fun and engagement but also aims to turn the tide on declining literacy rates among children by creating a vibrant reading culture within families and communities.