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Why
REACH?
In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a powerful warning:
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a serious public health risk.
Its effects on the body and brain are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, anxiety, and depression.
And it doesn’t just affect adults.
In today’s busy world, with so many demands and distractions, quiet moments for connection can feel few and far between. Even when children are surrounded by activity, they can sometimes feel a little lonely. That’s because what they really need are
moments of closeness and shared attention—times when they feel truly seen and heard.
Making space for reading together creates those special moments. It’s a simple way to slow down, build strong bonds, and nurture your child’s confidence and imagination—all while sharing joy and learning.
At the same time, young children who aren’t read to daily hear 1.4 million fewer words by kindergarten than peers whose families read regularly. By third grade, those children are at a much higher risk of falling behind—academically and emotionally.
So what can we do?
Let’s start with something simple but powerful:
Let’s read together.
Reading builds more than skills. It builds connection.
When a child and adult share a story, something profound happens:
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They sit close.
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They listen to each other.
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They ask questions and share thoughts.
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They laugh, wonder, and dream—together.
That’s where REACH comes in.
REACH (Reading Establishes A Connection Home) is more than a reading program.
It’s a movement to help families rebuild closeness through books—creating moments of joy, curiosity, and deep connection.
Here’s how it works—just 3 simple steps:
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Choose someone to read with.
Whether it’s your child, grandchild, student, or neighbor, REACH is about building connection through shared stories. Reading together creates time to slow down, listen, and grow closer. -
Sign up to receive weekly REACH activities in your inbox.
Each month, we spotlight one carefully chosen children’s book. Then, every week, you’ll get an email filled with fun and meaningful activities to enrich your reading time—like discussion questions, crafts, games, songs, recipes, and more. Plus, we’ll share a curated list of additional books related to the theme, giving you even more opportunities for bonus reading and bonding! -
Make reading a regular ritual.
Set a consistent time to read together—even just ten minutes a day. Use the weekly activities to keep things fresh, track your reading progress, and watch your connection grow with every page.
Access previously published REACH guides here.