The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe partnered with the Miami-Dade Public Library System and the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works to host Read and Ride on June 8.
Marking the last day of school, the organizations gave away 400 free children’s books, along with summer reading tips to Metrorail riders at the Dadeland South and Government Center Stations. The goal of the initiative was to remind parents of the importance of reading to their children during summer break.
“We want to equip parents with the tools they need to create at-home libraries and ensure that no children fall behind this summer,” said Evelio Torres, president and CEO, Early Learning Coalition Miami-Dade/Monroe. “Parents are a child’s first teacher and it is important that they stimulate development through continued education at home.”
A significant number of children in Miami-Dade are affected by the summer slide, the tendency for students to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. On average, these students lose two months of reading skills throughout the summer break.
“We are proud to partner with the Early Learning Coalition to inform the many Miami-Dade families who utilize the Metrorail regularly of the importance of early literacy and reading to children over the summer,” said Alice N. Bravo, PE, director of the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works. “And of course reading a good book is ageless, so I encourage everyone to drive less and live more by taking advantage of public transportation and reading onboard Metrorail or bus.”
As part of the Read and Ride event, the Miami-Dade Public Library System gave riders at the Government Center stop the opportunity to sign up for a library card, providing them with additional access to books for reading throughout the summer.
“We encourage families this summer to visit their local library branches, where they can check out new books and participate in reading events that expose children to the joys of reading,” said Kimberly Matthews, assistant director of the Miami-Dade Public Library System.
The Early Learning Coalition also asked parents to take the Unplug and Connect pledge, promising to put down their mobile devices and spend quality time talking, reading and/or singing with their young children to stimulate their personal and educational development. All parents are encouraged to take the pledge this summer by visiting www.unplug.elcmdm.org.
