I applaud the Baxter’s Family Reading Club at Coffin School and their efforts to promote the importance of reading with young children (see “Coffin Program Encourages Reading” article on June 4).

Research shows the importance of reading with children, starting right from birth, to nurture healthy brain development. Family reading time gives babies and young children the building blocks called “early literacy skills.”

As author Mem Fox says, “Children need to hear 1,000 stories before they can begin to learn to read.” The article’s excellent Reading Tips can help families with even the busiest schedules work in some fun reading time together.

One of our United Way’s goals is “all children are read to from birth.”

We partner with and help to fund excellent programs, such as Tri- County Literacy’s Read With Me Family Literacy Program. Read With Me is also collaborating with another United Way partner, Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, to help children get access to books and stories during the summer months. United Way partner agencies providing home visiting to new parents, Maine Families and Early Head Start, and quality child care programs also promote the importance of reading to young children.

And during our United Way’s Community Read Aloud event each year on the anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, 250 volunteers read with approximately 4,500 children in child care settings and elementary classrooms across our region, including at Coffin School. These community readers talk about why reading is important both at their workplace and for their own enjoyment.

Our United Way is pleased that Coffin School is providing books to kindergarten students and their younger siblings, and promoting the joys and importance of reading with young children. We are excited to be part of our community’s efforts to help all children get the best start possible!

Peter Lindsay
Director, Community Impact &
Success By 6
United Way of Mid Coast
Maine