Sometimes we take for granted the skills and enthusiasm of our teachers in teaching our children to read.   

In Kansas, one such initiative many schools use to help spread the joy of reading is the “Reading is Fundamental” ( RIF ) program.  

After meeting with Darla Thornburg from the Coffeyville RIF program and learning about the positive strides the program was making, I was inspired to get involved in Reading is Fundamental and you can too.  

Since 1966, in Kansas and across the nation, Reading is Fundamental has provided over 300 million books to children and their families. These free books go to students who might not otherwise have their own. The federal government funds the program with a small portion of the funds coming from local sources.  

In Kansas, Reading is Fundamental provided over $300,000 in federal funds with $157,000 earned locally in 2005. Kansas has 111 RIF programs serving 81,451 students in our state.  

Imagine what kind of impact this makes in the households of the 81,451 students? Children can take their reading home and just might opt for the book over the video game. They might share it with their younger sibling or the neighbor next door and the inspiration, along with the critical life skill of reading, spreads.   

The National Book Program is a RIF initiative that pairs community reading, motivational events, and book distribution.  

This is where you and I come in. We can volunteer to read at RIF schools to help spread the joy of reading. I have had the privilege of reading to students in several classrooms across the state. In Coffeyville, I read “George Washington’s Teeth” at a school wide assembly at Community Elementary School . This event was complete with a performance from the Red Raven Drill Team of Coffeyville Community College. It was a high energy event involving the whole community. It made a huge impact in my memory and doubtlessly in the young minds of the students.  

More recently at Quinton Heights Elementary in Topeka , I met with a classroom of second graders to read the book, “House Mouse, Senate Mouse.” At the end of the reading session, I was happy to learn there were many aspiring leaders in the classroom, even a future presidential candidate. Taking the opportunity to share the joy of reading with young minds can leave a big imprint.  

If you would like to volunteer, you can visit www.rif.org for more information.