As Nebraska early reading scores decline, literacy events aim to help families

Valentine, Neb. — Nebraska’s early reading scores continue to trend downward, with fourth-grade proficiency falling to 28% in 2024 — the lowest level recorded. The decline has prompted lawmakers and educators to look for solutions, including new grant funding aimed at improving teacher training and giving parents more tools to support reading at home.

In Valentine, families gathered for a literacy event Tuesday night focused on simple, practical strategies to help children build stronger reading skills.

Inside the room, children clustered around stacks of books, a scene organizers say needs to become more common.

“Research has shown that if children aren’t reading on grade level by 3rd grade, they’re three times more likely to disengage from school and to not have as much access and opportunities in high school and beyond,” said Mary List with Children’s Literacy Initiative.

Children’s Literacy Initiative partnered with Educational Service Unit 17 to host the family-focused event, targeting parents and caregivers of young children.

“We have families coming with children birth to 5 because it really starts at birth,” said April Rhodes, early childhood special education teacher and teaching and learning coordinator at ESU 17.

During the event, children selected free books to take home, while parents learned how to incorporate reading into everyday routines.

“You can have books in the car on the way to school, or listen to songs and rhymes on the way to school,” List said.

List emphasized that consistency is key — building regular reading routines and involving the entire family.

“Cooking at home, using recipes, pointing out signs at the grocery store are ways to promote literacy,” List said.

Rhodes said those small, daily habits can make a lasting difference.

“Families are really children’s first teachers, so if we can get literacy and education happening in the home then that will build habits for kids and transition with them to school,” Rhodes said.

A similar literacy event is scheduled to be held in Ainsworth next Monday, March 2 for families with children from birth through fifth grade.