Philly’s early literacy movement
Our city, and nation, are facing a literacy crisis. Right now, over 60% of our children are not reading at grade level by 4th grade in Philadelphia. That’s thousands of children struggling in school, often feeling frustrated and ashamed. And likely to fall even further behind.
But we can change this. In fact, we already are.
Read by 4th is a citywide coalition of family, community, and systems leaders working together to increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the 4th grade at reading level. Convened and managed by the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation since 2016, Read by 4th is here to ensure our children become the strong readers they deserve to be.
Collective Strategies
Ready by 4th is coming together across Philadelphia to take collective action to ensure every child can read confidently—at or above grade level—by fourth grade.
-
Family Engagement
Create and share meaningful literacy resources. -
Diverse Books
Ensure families have books that reflect who they are and the world. -
Community Mobilization
Activate community members to champion literacy. -
Public Advocacy
Amplify and advance equitable education policies. -
Quality Instruction
Equip educators with resources and support aligned with the Science of Reading. -
High-Impact Tutoring
Expand access to evidence-based reading support.
Everyone has a role to play in growing stronger readers
Let's Find Yours
Learn More
Learn more about the Read by 4th initiative at readby4th.org
Connect
Sign up for the Read by 4th newsletter to get early literacy news
Support
Donate to Read by 4th and help protect our children’s right to read.