Read 3 Program at TAMIU Recognizes Early Readers, Families Monday

Some of the city’s most energetic 2 - 4 year-old’s will join their families to celebrate their completion of a five-week program that’s helped them channel their energy into reading.  They’ll be recognized Monday, April 23in Texas A&M International University’s Student Center Ballroom in two ceremonies held at 5 and 7 p.m.

The young students are enrolled in the Read 3 Program, a family literacy partnership among HEB, TAMIU, Laredo Independent School District, and the Public Library of Laredo.  The innovative program provides a series of workshops focused on preparing early learners with strong literary practices by teaching the children early literacy skills and equipping parents with the resources they need to provide a nurturing early reading environment at home. The program is now in its 7th year.

The program is directed by TAMIU associate professor, College of Education, Dr. Xuesong Wang, who says it extends workshop lessons with practical activities.

“For example, parents also get helpful nutritional instruction to help them encourage healthy eating habits for the whole family.  Over 150 families have been a part of this year’s partnership, which is delivered at all 20 Laredo Independent School District campuses.  About 90 TAMIU volunteers help conduct the workshop for families recruited by LISD,” Dr. Wang said.

Dr. Wang said that an evaluative study of the program has shown that parents and children benefit immensely from the Read-3 Literacy Program. 

“Our experiences and research data show that children and their parents really benefit from the program. Many parents bring their friends to the new program based their experiences.  We are all united in sharing a goal that not only helps young children and their parents now, but encourages and ensures sustainable development of literacy skills for young children so that they can secure the brightest futures possible going forward,” Wang concluded. 

TAMIU Dean of the College of Education, Dr. James O’Meara, said the College continues to be enormously proud of the Read 3 Program collaboration with its partners.

“Dr. Wang's creativity has grown the HEB Read-3 program from a single school setting to one serving a growing community of young readers and their families at 20 locations.  We are proud of her work with this very unique community outreach program and honored to collaborate with H.E.B. in helping families link reading with healthy living and brighter futures,” Dr. O’Meara said. 

As designed by HEB, the Read-3 Family Literacy Program provides families across the State with the tools and resources they need to help prepare early learners.

For additional information, contact the University’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.