Studies have shown that reading to young children helps stimulate their brain development, language and literacy skills, as well as social and emotional growth—all essential for success in school and life.
By making reading a habit starting at a young age, children can develop a lifelong love for books and learning. And reading together gives families a chance to spend some quality time as a unit amid their busy individual schedules.
Pre-K 4 SA is proud to partner with H-E-B Read 3 to make it easier for parents and caregivers to make reading a part of their daily routine.
The H-E-B Read 3 program promotes literacy and nutritious eating habits by encouraging parents and caregivers to read to their children at least three times a week and learn how to prepare healthy food at home.
During the program:
- Families receive free books, cooking tips, and healthy snacks on a weekly basis at Pre-K 4 SA centers
- UTSA early childhood undergraduate students and Pre-K staff lead weekly literacy activities and lessons to children and adults
- Participants receive a backpack with supplies and an H-E-B gift card upon program completion
Read 3: Making a Decade of Difference
Since H-E-B launched the program in 2011, the initiative has supported early childhood literacy efforts, which have provided more than 5.5 million books to children and families across the state.
Read 3 is one of many programs H-E-B champions to support public education in Texas. The company launched the program to promote good reading habits at home, encouraging parents to read to their children at least three times each week. Along with various activations, the Read 3 program has children-focused activities, at-home literacy lessons, summer reading club, and book lists available on its website for parents to reference.
Through the Read 3 program, H-E-B has held more than 5,000 hours of story time at stores and schools and donated more than $750,000 in sponsorships and programming to schools, libraries, and educational nonprofits.
