First R Foundation: If you can read, you can do anything.
At First R Foundation, children learn how to develop a love of reading. Each month, guest readers and presenters visit kindergarteners and first graders in Gloucester and Rockport, Massachusetts to read aloud to students, talk about their love of reading, and present a brand new, bestselling children’s book. The reading program, led by Pat Earle, delivers books that teach, entertain, and capture the imagination of a young and captivated audience. Launched in 2004, Earle helped fill a void left by critical spending cuts that eliminated library services in elementary schools.
At First R Foundation, children learn how to develop a love of reading. Each month, guest readers and presenters visit kindergarteners and first graders in Gloucester and Rockport, Massachusetts to read aloud to students, talk about their love of reading, and present a brand new, bestselling children’s book. The reading program, led by Pat Earle, delivers books that teach, entertain, and capture the imagination of a young and captivated audience. Launched in 2004, Earle helped fill a void left by critical spending cuts that eliminated library services in elementary schools.
A Sampling of recently gifted books
Volunteers Committed to the Kids
Today, First R’s group of volunteer readers has grown to over fifty participants and includes politicians, businesspeople, doctors and artists. These adults champion the value and importance of reading as a necessary and lifelong skill. Earle funds it all through private donations and is able to purchase thirty books per month for classrooms. “Studies are proving that reading on tablets and phones is not the same as reading a hard copy book,” Earle says. “When children are introduced to books early on, they can comprehend better, develop better executive functioning skills, and manage their time better.”
Today, First R’s group of volunteer readers has grown to over fifty participants and includes politicians, businesspeople, doctors and artists. These adults champion the value and importance of reading as a necessary and lifelong skill. Earle funds it all through private donations and is able to purchase thirty books per month for classrooms. “Studies are proving that reading on tablets and phones is not the same as reading a hard copy book,” Earle says. “When children are introduced to books early on, they can comprehend better, develop better executive functioning skills, and manage their time better.”
Books Donated Since First R's Launch 11,000+
8,000+ books to classrooms
3,000+ books to individual kindergarten and first-grade students
8,000+ books to classrooms
3,000+ books to individual kindergarten and first-grade students
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First R Foundation - A Passion Project for Interactive Reading |
Gloucester 400 - A Quadricentennial Celebration
First R is proud to participate in the celebrations surrounding Gloucester 400. The Gloucester 400th anniversary honors New England's oldest seaport established in 1623. Throughout the year, First R will be introducing local authors to the students of Cape Ann in honor of this special anniversary.
Click here for Gloucester 400 details and calendar of events. Also, you can read fascinating stories chronicling Gloucester's people, places and history.
Help Bring Books to the Kids of Cape Ann
There are lots of ways to help. Volunteer as a reader or donate to help fund the purchase of a book. Click on the “Support Us” link below.
There are lots of ways to help. Volunteer as a reader or donate to help fund the purchase of a book. Click on the “Support Us” link below.