At Stanley-Boyd, we know that one of the strongest predictors of lifelong success is the ability to read proficiently by the end of third grade. We are proud that our elementary students consistently earn some of the highest reading scores in our area. But even with that success, we never stop striving to do better. Literacy is the foundation for future success.
Children begin developing the skills for reading long before they ever pick up a book. From the earliest months of life, talking, singing, and reading aloud help wire the brain for language. By the time a child reaches school age, years of small conversations, stories, and everyday wordplay have laid the groundwork for reading success.
Families play an essential role in this journey. Something as simple as reading a story or pointing out letters on a street sign builds vocabulary and sparks curiosity. When parents pause during a story to ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character feels that way?” they are encouraging comprehension skills that go far beyond sounding out words.
The benefits are clear. National studies show that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are far more likely to graduate on time and thrive in later grades. Third grade is also when students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” making it a critical milestone.
At school, our teachers use research-based instruction and targeted support to help every child. But the most powerful progress happens when schools and families work together. When children see that reading is valued both at home and in the classroom, they are more likely to develop the motivation and confidence to become lifelong readers.
Here are a few simple, research-backed ways families can build literacy at home (from the National Center on Improving Literacy):
• Read together every day. Every minute of shared reading strengthens skills and builds positive routines.
• Talk and listen. Ask your child questions about the story and encourage them to share their own ideas.
• Play with language. Sing songs, make rhymes, or notice letters and words in everyday places. The more language your child hears, the more it can expand their vocabulary.
• Write together. Invite your child to help make grocery lists, thank-you notes, or short stories.
• Celebrate progress. Recognize every new skill or book completed—confidence grows with encouragement.

Our community has much to be proud of when it comes to literacy, but we also have work to do. By working together, we can continue to build a culture where every child discovers the joy of reading and carries a love of learning into the future.
Help us become a community of readers, and help our students improve wherever they may be on their reading journey. Go Orioles!