(HELENA) – Montana First Lady Susan Gianforte on Tuesday celebrated a new report showing Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library significantly strengthens early literacy skills for children. The non-profit program boosts early childhood literacy by providing free high-quality, age-appropriate books to Montana children up to age five.
According to new research conducted by Dr. Claire Galea of United Way Australia, data analyzed from more than 86,000 caregivers reveals that after just 10 books, children in the program were at least four times more likely to demonstrate stronger emerging literacy skills, such as vocabulary and phonological awareness, compared to children not in the program. It also revealed children were 11 times more likely to be interested in books and 15 times more likely to join in during shared reading compared to children not in the program
“This new study reveals what we already know: reading unlocks a brighter future for our youngest minds and leads to lasting impacts on their success and development,” First Lady Gianforte said.
