Search Results for: research

Hey, it’s Bibi, flying around again! It is a beautiful gift to fly. I can go near or far, high or low. I can see treetops and rooftops when I fly! I wish I could take you with me. But the next best thing is reading together about flying in a book! Watch this video, download books to read together, and explore things to do with BookSpring. Read Together at Home Here are some books to read together!  From A ... Read More

The BookSpring 2020 Central Texas Reading Survey provides valuable information about the reading habits of families in Central Texas.  Conducted annually with consistent methods over the past three years, the effort provides a longitudinal snapshot of our regional progress in early literacy.  As in previous years, it prompts interesting questions about the ongoing state of reading in the region.  Results illuminate particularly digital reading habits and generational factors in reading at home. Falling Back on Books at Home The share ... Read More

BookSpring's Programs are Grounded in Theory and Research A wealth of research provides descriptions of widespread reading failure, as well as promising evidence for the effectiveness of programs like those of of BookSpring, including books-for-ownership programs; reading aloud practices; anticipatory guidance from doctors; parent engagement outreach; and family enrichment events that motivate young children to become readers and learners for life.  Below are some selected references from credible sources with summaries of their research findings.  BookSpring has also developed a ... Read More

We're reposting this guest blog, by Natalia Mirkowicz, to encourage parents and caregivers, during quarantine, to establish a reading routine with their babies at home. Here's why... A common misconception among families is that literacy education starts during the school years. Yet, research shows that starting to read and speak to newborns already begins to impact the way the brain develops and begins to organize language. Many parents prioritize speaking to their infants as much as possible. However, one ... Read More

We are shining the Volunteer Spotlight on our AmeriCorps VISTA, Evan Rosenblum. He believes that books are a critical tool in helping us better understand ourselves, our world, and each other. We are thrilled to have Evan's expertise and creativity on our team! What is your job at BookSpring? I am the Americorps Fund & Awareness Development VISTA. My job is to support the development team, which includes researching the most effective ways to communicate BookSpring's amazing impact, assisting with ... Read More

Parents and educators, BookSpring has compiled another list of Spanish-language educational videos and reading materials that are perfect for engaging young children. These links feature resources that are educational and entertaining. They’re ideal for young native Spanish speakers, and for newcomers to the language eager to learn new words! Read on for a list of links that should guarantee many hours of learning and amusement for little ones:

• El Estudiante Digital features 37 free and legal Spanish-language stories for ... Read More

BookSpring Days: Empowering Communities through Book Ownership Apply for BookSpring Days Are you a Central Texas non-profit organization serving children and families who are low income? BookSpring Days is now accepting applications from any Central Texas non-profit organization, including health and human service groups, adult ESL programs, camps, and afterschool programs. Join us in distributing books for ownership using our time-tested BookSpring model. Our Program BookSpring Days aims to provide children and families with access to books and promote reading ... Read More

BookSpring’s 2019 Central Texas Reading Survey offers insight into the state of reading in Central Texas and early literacy efforts in our community. This survey provides valuable information about the reading habits of families in Central Texas, while raising many interesting questions about the state of reading in the region, an understanding of the situation families face when it comes to developing readers in their own homes, and how to help those families cultivate reading habits that lead to ... Read More

Expanding to Priority Zip Codes It's great to know that we've served over half million children in Central Texas in our history, and that we're continuing to serve so many high need site partners each year.  But, informed by the research on book deserts, we wondered:  Are there pockets of need that we haven't yet reached?  And if so, where are they? Luckily, we've been working over the past five years to code and track our program data in such ... Read More

It is no mystery that summer break can result in an exponential loss of academic skills or the “summer slide.” Research conducted by John Hopkins’ sociology Professor Karl Alexander shows that low-income youth suffer significantly from a loss of academic skills over the summertime. The losses pile up contributing to an achievement gap in their future academic success. With only a few weeks before the doors close for the school year, some children will have a summer full of adventurous ... Read More