Read United Early Education

Share your love of reading with Quad Cities kids.

There’s never been a more important time for us to help get kids on track for kindergarten readiness.

As part of our mission to encourage literacy and increase kindergarten readiness, we have partnered with early learning centers for a fun reading project — and we need your help!

Sign up to volunteer!

Times and dates available between April 1 through June 30, 2024.

Sign up today to volunteer for one-time reading session at a local child care and early learning provider! During your 30 minute session, you’ll connect with a classroom of kids by reading a book and leading a creative activity that brings the book to life.

This volunteer opportunity to help our youngest is provided exclusively to Women United members.

Reading tips to make the most of your read aloud time

Choose books that respond to children’s interest and experiences.
- For very young children or emergent readers, choose books with vivid pictures, a strong story line, engaging characters and evocative language. Humorous and predictable books are particularly successful.
Preview the book before you read it with the group so you can anticipate questions or reactions. Practice read the book through so you can decide where to pause for emphasis and where to elicit questions, predictions or reactions.
Read with expression. Let your voice reflect the tone of the story and the personalities of the characters. Don’t read too fast. Vary your pace so you can pause for emphasis.
Ask the children what they think will happen next.
Watch the children’s expressions and body language and be sensitive to signs of boredom or confusion.
Most importantly — have a good time!