Readers Are Built
Learn how early experiences build strong readers before children enter school.
Reading isn’t learned only at school. Readers are built everywhere, every day.
Talk, play, read, sing and ensure that children’s screen time is learning time. When children are engaged in early reading activities, they’re more likely to start school ready to learn to read. The good news is that you are already doing many activities that can help build a reader!
Readers Are Built is a communications campaign that brings together practical tools and trusted resources that fit into busy lives. We focus on sharing accessible activities, including high-quality early literacy apps, digital resources, and everyday activities that help adults support children in building strong reading skills.
There are numerous everyday learning moments when you can help shape a child’s future. Talking during dinner, singing in the car, pointing out words on a screen, reading a bedtime story—it all counts. Shared reading isn’t only for bedtime. Access a rich collection of everyday developmental activities and free learning apps on the Readers Are Built website.
News and Resources
Learning to read involves developing thinking, motor, listening, speaking, writing, and many other skills.
View the steps along the pathway to becoming a proficient reader.
Readers Are Built Timeline
The Readers Are Built Campaign Launches
The Campaign launches after a year of collaborative development with input from early care and learning professionals and focus group meetings with parents, childcare providers, and preschool teachers.
Advisory Council and Focus Groups are Held
We seek input from the Advisory Council and community focus groups to help form the creation and direction of Readers Are Built.
A Literacy Campaign Begins to Germinate
The idea for an early literacy campaign for children and caregivers forms under the vision of NCECF’s Pathways to Grade-Level Reading initiative: all North Carolina children, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, are proficient readers by the end of third grade, ensuring equal opportunity for success in life.