PHILLY READING CHAMPS

SERIOUSLY FUN ACTIVITIES

The barber who keeps picture books at the shop.

The mom who reads street signs from the bus.

The older sibling who shares a favorite book with a younger one.

The grandmas, aunties, and uncles who help sound-out words.

The crossing guards and bus drivers who make sure students reach school safely.

The childcare workers and camp leaders who play word games.

The teen volunteers who help out at the Free Library.

Everyone can be a Reading Champ.

reading champs believe:

You need to read well to do well in school—and in life!

Every kid can be a great reader.

Anyone can help a child read well. You don’t have to be a teacher.

You just have to love them, and want the best for them.

Life can change in ways that surprise us all, but we know one thing
that won’t change: We have to keep learning, especially outside of school.

This handbook helps keep it fun for everyone.

Who’s YOUR favorite Reading Champ? Make their day by letting them know.

BECOMING A READING CHAMP IS AS EASY AS 1-2-3!

Pick the category that suits your group’s energy level, environment, and resources.
Choose an activity.
Read and prepare, then share!

Playful Learning Works!

Kids learn and gain confidence from all kinds of play, but can learn even more when playful fun is designed intentionally—from thinking about the learning context to whether they do an activity alone, with friends or adults.

“I love the imaginative freedom that comes with reading books!”

CAPRICE, HEAD OF DIGITAL FABRICATION, TINY WPA
“Spark a child’s imagination, and inspire a love of reading for a lifetime!”

THEMBI, AUTHOR AND STORYTELLER,
IMAGINE MORE STORY ADVENTURES
“Reading opened up my mind to new worlds, words, and characters that felt familiar.”

FALENA, COMMUNITY INITIATIVES SPECIALIST,
WEST PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOOD LIBRARY
“I want our little ones to know their stories matter, and books can inspire them to tell their stories and share their ideas.”

DARIS, BOARD MEMBER,
MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILY LITERACY INITIATIVE
“I take a book with me wherever I go”

FLAN, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR,
THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA
“To be a life-long learner, I became a life-long reader.”

JILL, RETIRED EDUCATOR & LIFELONG READER
“The most memorable stories for me were those that came alive by pairing text with art.”

JOVAN, DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER, VISIT PHILADELPHIA
“I try to imagine and come up with a different ending for the story.”

REBECCA, FOUNDER, FAB YOUTH PHILLY

We strive to support and enhance literacy skills for all ages; foster a love of reading and learning for all Philadelphians; and help combat the summer slide, a real concern for children and teens in some of the most challenged communities in Philadelphia.