Mesquite ISD Read Play Talk Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 6

WHY RPT ?

ReadPlayTalk is Mesquite ISD ’ s research-based , community supported initiative to champion early childhood literacy among its students .

Limited exposure to vocabulary can cause a child to enter kindergarten up to two years behind his or her peers . Mesquite ISD is committed to ensuring that our students enter kindergarten with a solid pre-reading foundation and are successfully reading on grade level by third grade .
Through MISD teacher-designed strategies and our volunteer , business and campus partnerships , we are encouraging parents and relatives to read , play and talk with their children from birth and beyond !
ReadPlayTalk Frequently Asked Questions
1 . Why is Mesquite ISD investing so much in # RPT ?
We believe that literacy lays the foundation for everything else in life . When a child is reading on grade level by third grade , their likelihood of graduating high school statistically quadruples , and their future academic and social success depends on their early childhood reading progress .
_______________________ 2 . Who is involved ?
This is an all-hands-on-deck operation . MISD administrators , classroom teachers , librarians , coaches , instructional specialists and other personnel are behind RPT . And , our community members , including the RPT Board and the City of Mesquite , are partnering with us to share RPT .
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3 . How can I help ?
If you have a young child , read , play and talk with him / her every day . Visit the local library to check out books , get out of the house and pique your child ’ s curiosity . If you don ’ t have a school-aged child , try to find another way to support RPT in Mesquite .
_______________________ 4 . What will this cost me ?
It doesn ’ t have to cost anything ! Many crafts and activities can be done at home without any supplies . The most important thing is to be intentional . In the car ride home from school , try to have a conversation with your child rather than allow them time with electronics . Find small ways to get your child talking . Get a library card so you can check out books for free . RPT is not expensive . It is , however , extremely important , and we hope you ’ ll use our resources to make it a habit in your home . Page 6