BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Reading is important and is often associated with being taught at school.

However, educators with the Early Learning Coalition of Northwest Florida said reading success starts at home.

This comes after reports from Florida Gap Map posted by the Chamber Florida of Commerce showed that about 47 percent of Bay County third graders were reading below grade level last year.

Early Learning Coalition Northwest Florida Service Specialist Jahn Jones Education said that if children have a good reading learning foundation by kindergarten, they are more likely to have an increased literacy rate and do well by the time they have to take 3rd-grade reading exams.

“Establish routines so that way the child has a schedule every day,” Jones said. “You could do baking activities so that they’re learning their math and literacy in fun ways, teach them self-sufficiency so they know how to carry their backpacks. get themselves dressed, put their shoes on, and read. Reading is very important.”

The Early Learning Coalition will offer at least two summer events to allow families to learn about a child’s development and build relationships.

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn will take place at the following locations weekly:

Every Tuesday at the Glenwood Community Center from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Every Thursday at the Oakland Terrace Club House from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Every Monday at the Washington County Library from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Kaleidoscope Play and Learn is open to children 0-5 years.

Books, Ball, & Blocks:

June 21 at the Drip Coffee Co. from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Free screenings will be available for children two months to 8 years of age.

Areas screened include communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and behavior.