Invest in Literacy, Cultivate Opportunity.
Discover how you can help your child unlock the world of reading and build a strong foundation for their future.
Learn HowUnderstanding Childhood Illiteracy
The Challenge of Functional Illiteracy
Functional illiteracy is a significant challenge in the Philippines. According to recent data (PSA 2024 FLEMMS), approximately 18 million Filipinos struggle with basic comprehension and calculation skills needed for daily life.
Alarmingly, this includes about 1 in 5 Senior High School graduates (19-21%), who complete 12 years of schooling yet lack the functional literacy skills defined by UNESCO as essential for effective community participation and personal development.
This impacts employability, contributes to poverty cycles, and limits civic engagement. Our goal is to empower parents and communities to support early literacy development.
Tips for Parents
Practical Ways to Support Your Child's Reading
Simple daily activities can make a huge difference! Try incorporating these ideas into your routine:
- Read Aloud Daily: Even 15 minutes of reading together builds vocabulary and comprehension. Choose engaging books and use expressive voices!
- Create a Reading Nook: Designate a cozy, quiet corner with comfortable seating and good lighting to make reading a special time.
- Play Word Games: Games like "I Spy" with letter sounds ("I spy something starting with 'B'!") or simple rhyming games make learning fun.
- Talk About Books: Ask questions about the story, characters, and pictures. Connect the story to your child's own experiences.
Explore our downloadable guides for more detailed activities and age-specific tips!
Recommended Books for Parents & Kids
Explore these insightful books to help you support your child's reading journey and find engaging stories for them.
The Read-Aloud Handbook
A guide for parents on the importance and techniques of reading aloud to children.
Learn More
Adventures in Alphabet Park
An engaging story that makes learning letters fun for young children.
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My First Reading Book
Simple sentences and captivating illustrations for children beginning to read independently.
Learn More
Fun with Phonics
An activity book designed to help children understand letter sounds and word formation.
Learn MoreKey Information & Resources
Why Early Literacy Matters
Building strong reading foundations before age 8 drastically improves future learning and opportunities. It's key to breaking poverty cycles.
Spotting Early Warning Signs
Learn to recognize potential reading challenges early, such as difficulty with rhyming, letter sounds, or remembering simple words.
Community & NGO Programs
Discover local initiatives like Basa Pilipinas, Alpabasa, and Ang Galing! that offer structured reading support and resources.
Simple Home Reading Routines
Just 15 minutes of daily reading, talking about stories, and playing simple word games can significantly boost your child's literacy skills.
Recognizing Literacy Milestones
Use this checklist to get a general idea of common literacy milestones. Remember, children develop at their own pace. If you have concerns, consult with a teacher or pediatrician.
Downloadable Resource Kits
Get started with our curated resource kits, packed with helpful guides and activities. Access them to use offline anytime!
Parent's Guide to Early Reading
A downloadable kit including step-by-step activities for ages 3-8, tips for reading aloud, and checklists for recognizing milestones.
Teacher's Phonics & Activity Toolkit
Classroom resources including engaging phonics games, ideas for reading centers, and printable activity sheets.
Student's Learning Fun Kit
Engaging worksheets, interactive reading games, and fun story starters designed for students to explore independently.
Take the Reading Pledge!
Commit to making a difference! Pledge to read with a child for at least 15 minutes every day. Small actions create big impacts.
You'll be redirected to a simple form to record your commitment.
Activity of the Month: Story Stones
Spark imagination and storytelling skills with this simple and fun activity that can be adapted for all ages!
What are Story Stones?
Story Stones are smooth, flat stones with simple pictures painted or drawn on them. Each picture represents a character, object, setting, or action that can be used as a prompt for creating a story.
What You'll Need:
- Smooth, flat stones (collect them on a nature walk!)
- Permanent markers or acrylic paints & brushes
- (Optional) Varnish or sealant to protect the pictures
- A small bag or box to keep them in
How to Play:
- Create Your Stones: Draw or paint simple pictures on your stones. Think of common story elements: sun, house, tree, cat, boy, girl, car, key, star, heart, etc. Let them dry completely.
- Pick a Stone: Have your child reach into the bag and pick a stone without looking.
- Start the Story: Begin a story based on the picture on the stone. For example, if they pick a stone with a sun, you could start with "Once upon a time, on a very sunny day..."
- Continue the Story: Take turns picking stones and adding to the story based on the new picture. Encourage creativity and silliness!
- Variations:
- Use a set number of stones to create a complete story.
- Have one person tell the whole story using multiple stones.
- Use the stones to retell a favorite book in a new way.
Why it's great: Story Stones encourage vocabulary development, sequencing skills, imagination, and collaborative storytelling.
Daily Word Challenge
Test your vocabulary with our daily word puzzle! Guess the three 5-letter words.
Loading Word Challenge...
3D Word Grid Challenge
Use the arrow keys to move the red sphere. Collect letters in the correct order to spell the target word. Click and drag the mouse to rotate the view!
Share Your Success!
Be inspired by others and share your own journey! Your story can motivate and help fellow parents and educators.
Maria S. - Parent from Quezon City
"Using the reading tips and the milestone checklist helped me understand how to support my son. He's now excited about our daily reading time!"
Teacher Lito - Grade 1 Educator
"The downloadable toolkits are fantastic! I've used the phonics game ideas in my classroom, and the kids love them. It's made learning more engaging."
Anna B. - Community Volunteer
"I started a small reading club in our barangay using the 'Story Stones' activity. It's amazing to see the children's confidence grow each week."
Get Involved: Volunteer & Partner
Join us in making a lasting impact on literacy in the Philippines. Whether you're an individual wanting to volunteer or an organization looking to partner, your support is crucial.
Become a Reading Buddy
Dedicate a small amount of time to read with children in your local community. We provide training and support to help you host fun and engaging Storytime sessions.
Volunteer Sign-Up (via Contact)Partner With Us
We collaborate with schools, NGOs, LGUs, and businesses to expand our reach and impact. Let's work together to promote early literacy.
Discuss Partnership (via Contact)Our Valued Partners (Examples):
- Basa Pilipinas (EDC)
- Alpabasa
- Ang Galing! Literacy Program
- Local DepEd Offices
- Community Libraries
Connect With Us
Have questions or want to share your story? We'd love to hear from you.
Help Us Improve!
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