The Goal of Extension R.E.A.D.S. is to promote youth literacy by extending the reach of the Read Across America imitative. The Extension R.E.A.D.S website includes FREE resources that can be used at home, during 4-H Club Meetings, independent learning time during afterschool programs, and educational tools to teach youth new topics.
For educators, I love the idea of using a book to introduce a topic. A book can be a great tool to spark an interest and motivate children to learn more. The Extension R.E.A.D.S website provides videos of a book reading. The books range in topics: agriculture, animals, healthy living, and miscellaneous. If you prefer to read the book yourself to your students the selected books on the website can be an idea page to prepare for your next library book pick-up.
Also, the Extension R.E.A.D.S website will have lesson plans and activities to support educators with literacy development. These resources are not live, but another great free resource in the works staff and families can use to engage with young learners.