United Way of Weld County Remember the third grade?

Imagine you are back in the third grade. You just finished your lunch and ran out to recess. You sit down at your desk and the teacher passes out a reading quiz. Have your “reading” caps on! Here we go students. Remember – until third grade you’re learning to read. After third grade, you’re reading to learn. Imagine your entire academic career understanding less than half the words you need to know by third grade.

An excerpt from Charlotte’s Web The children ran out to the road and climbed into the bus. Fern took no notice of the others in the bus. She just sat and stared out of the window, thinking what a blissful world it was and how lucky she was to have entire charge of a pig. By the time the bus reached school, Fern had named her pet, selecting the most beautiful name she could think of. “It’s name is Wilbur,” she whispered to herself. She was still thinking about the pig when the teacher said: “Fern, what is the capital of Pennsylvania?” “Wilbur,” replied Fern, dreamily. The pupils giggled. Fern blushed.

Questions How many are receiving an A on this quiz? Kids who are below reading levels in the third grade are 8 times more likely to drop out of school, become teen parents, depend on public assistance, and/or get involved in the criminal justice system. For every dollar we invest in early childhood education preparing children to read at third grade level, there is a $17 dollar return on our investment. How? Savings on public assistance and crime prevention! (Colorado Kids Count 2010)

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