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Educator Resources Rif Org Reading Is Fundamental

Leo Migdal
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educator resources rif org reading is fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is the oldest and largest non-profit children's literacy organization in the United States. RIF provides books (print and digital) and reading resources to children nationwide with supporting literacy resources for educators, families, and community volunteers. In 1966, while reading to children at a school in Washington, D.C., Margaret McNamara, wife of the United States Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara, was surprised to learn that many of the students did not have any books of their own. With the help of Lynda Johnson Robb[6] and Arthur White,[7] Kathryn Wentzel Lumley was one of the organization's co-founders.[8][9]

After early organizational meetings with other educators in D.C., McNamara secured a $150,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to support pilot activities in the District of Columbia throughout 1967, including the launch of a... At the time of McNamara's death in 1981, RIF had provided "more than 3 million poor children with 37 million books."[11] Beginning in the 1970s, RIF began to receive annual federal appropriations which enabled the organization to expand its reach and impact for children in communities nationwide, focusing on at-risk children including those from low-income... Authorized in federal legislation, RIF contracted with the U.S. Department of Education to administer the National Inexpensive Book Distribution Program[12] for more than 30 years. In 2001, Carol Rasco, the former senior adviser to President Bill Clinton and later United States Secretary of Education Richard Riley, became the president and CEO of RIF, succeeding former Bryant University president William...

Trueheart who served in that role from 1997 to 2001.[13] Ruth Graves led the organization from 1975 to 1997.[14][15] In 2011, Congress eliminated congressionally-directed spending and thus federal funding for RIF.[16][17] RIF then began... In 2006, Book’em joined forces with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children's literacy organization in the United States. Today, Book’em administers the RIF program in 15 Title I Metro Nashville elementary schools and is working to be able to serve more schools in the future. Each classroom is visited by a volunteer reader five times throughout the school year, during which the reader engages the students through interactive reading. At the end of each visit, students each pick their own book to keep and enjoy at home. Each child ends the school year with five new books in their home library, a relationship with a reading role model, and (we hope!) a re-energized love of books and reading.

Locally, the RIF program now serves over 7,000 children a year through a network of more than 250 reading role model volunteers, distributing 31,000+ books annually. RIF is FULL for the 2025-2026 school year, and we cannot thank you enough for your support! If you were unable to join us this year, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form here so we know to keep you in mind for RIF next school year. Currently volunteering with us and have questions? We've created a resources page just for you. Click below to get started!

"RIF allows students to see that not only does their teacher feel that reading is important but the community does as well." "This program is transformational for students and brings my students such joy!" Create reading joy this holiday season in school and at home with two author-led read-alouds to ring in the season. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) connects children with the joy of reading to spark imaginations and possibilities, putting kids on a path of reading proficiency. Because every child deserves the chance to succeed. Reading Is Fundamental is a 501(c)(3) non-profit

Reading Is Fundamental and our partners work to change the trajectory of the alarming U.S. literacy crisis, which creates barriers between our nation’s children and their opportunities. children in the U.S. cannot read proficiently. Young children go through a methodical journey when learning how to read. First comes the introduction to language through the sounds of parents and caregivers and then eventually children start to speak their first words and later, sentences.

This is called emerging literacy and it is the foundation of all literacy. The emerging literacy phase is followed by the simultaneous development of reading and writing skills. Access to reading materials and exercises is critical during this time. Reading is Fundamental (RIF) is one organization that supports access by providing books and lessons to aide children in their literacy journey. Built to provide education and resources, RIF mobilizes materials, volunteers, and community organizations with the fundamental belief that every child can read and has the right to support. At present, RIF has distributed “over 422 million books and impacted the lives of more than 100 million children in all 50 states and Puerto Rico.” RIF also provides online resources in addition to...

RIF is for everyone. Their online resources are available to parents and teachers alike, and their programs are utilized by libraries, Head Start and more programs across the country. You can find both parent and teacher resources on their website. Content includes: RIF offers various ways to utilize their materials including online and app-based resources. Here are three methods of support for parents and teachers.

Reading begins with play! When children are small, they naturally participate in behaviors and initiate activities that become the foundation for reading. And while they may not be requesting their favorite books yet, their very first years are a time for song, make-believe, storytelling, hands on crafts, matching and pattern games. There is no shortage of ideas when it comes to building emerging literacy skills so happy reading, and the beginnings thereof! Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF’s) program and content offerings provide books and resources for families, educators, and literacy advocates to create a culture of reading in the classroom and at home. Giving children choice and access to new, age-appropriate books to take home and own is positively tied to reading behaviors including motivation, frequency, and engagement—which lead to enhanced reading and writing performance, language development,...

Of children living at or below the poverty line in America have no books at home. In some of the lowest-income neighborhoods, there is just 1 book for every 833 children. Research demonstrates that the presence of books in the home impacts academic outcomes for children. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) addresses the critical need for book ownership through our Books for Ownership program and Skybrary digital library.

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Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) is the oldest and largest non-profit children's literacy organization in the United States. RIF provides books (print and digital) and reading resources to children nationwide with supporting literacy resources for educators, families, and community volunteers. In 1966, while reading to children at a school in Washington, D.C., Margaret McNamara, wife of the Unit...

After Early Organizational Meetings With Other Educators In D.C., McNamara

After early organizational meetings with other educators in D.C., McNamara secured a $150,000 grant from the Ford Foundation to support pilot activities in the District of Columbia throughout 1967, including the launch of a... At the time of McNamara's death in 1981, RIF had provided "more than 3 million poor children with 37 million books."[11] Beginning in the 1970s, RIF began to receive annual ...

Trueheart Who Served In That Role From 1997 To 2001.[13]

Trueheart who served in that role from 1997 to 2001.[13] Ruth Graves led the organization from 1975 to 1997.[14][15] In 2011, Congress eliminated congressionally-directed spending and thus federal funding for RIF.[16][17] RIF then began... In 2006, Book’em joined forces with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children's literacy organization in the United States. Today, Book’em administers ...

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Locally, the RIF program now serves over 7,000 children a year through a network of more than 250 reading role model volunteers, distributing 31,000+ books annually. RIF is FULL for the 2025-2026 school year, and we cannot thank you enough for your support! If you were unable to join us this year, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form here so we know to keep you in mind for RIF next school year. Cu...

"RIF Allows Students To See That Not Only Does Their

"RIF allows students to see that not only does their teacher feel that reading is important but the community does as well." "This program is transformational for students and brings my students such joy!" Create reading joy this holiday season in school and at home with two author-led read-alouds to ring in the season. Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) connects children with the joy of reading to spar...