READING IMPROVES ACADEMIC OUTCOMES

We’re spotlighting a critical issue impacting millions of children nationwide

—the literacy crisis.

Reading is fundamental to help children have more

self confidence and reach higher goals. All are welcome.

Make the Commitment

Make a public COMMITMENT to reading with your child for 20 minutes per day.

Read-A-Thon

Everyone is welcome

Welcome To LEADING By READING

Discover the transformative benefits of a strong reading program with Leading By Reading. For elementary and middle school students, reading is more than a skill—it’s the gateway to learning, creativity, and critical thinking.

Our program empowers young readers with:

Enhanced Literacy Skills:

Build a solid foundation in vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency to support academic success.

Boosted Confidence:

Engaging reading activities encourage self-expression and the ability to tackle challenges with confidence.

Improved Academic Performance:

Strong readers excel across subjects, from math to science, by developing problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

A Love for Learning:

Cultivate curiosity and a lifelong passion for exploring new ideas and worlds through books.

Social and Emotional Growth:

Stories help children empathize with others, understand different

perspectives, and strengthen communication skills.

With Leading By Reading, you’ll have access to resources and relationships designed to inspire young minds and parents to read daily.

"Literacy begins at home!" Tracy Robinson

FATHERS - FAMILIES - CHILDREN

Families

State of Ohio Third

Grade Guarantee

Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee is a program to identify kindergarten through grade 3 students who are behind in reading. Schools will provide help and support to ensure students are on track for reading success by the end of third grade. The Department provides policy guidance, instructional tools, and the Third Grade Reading Guarantee resources.

Fathers

The Impact of Fathers

Reading to Their Children

Grade Guarantee

Research shows that fathers who actively engage in book reading with their children significantly enhance the children's cognitive and language development. Fathers who had at least a high school education demonstrated a particularly positive influence, contributing to improved cognitive and language outcomes for their children..

The Power of

Reading Aloud to Young Children

State of Ohio Third

Grade Guarantee

Reading aloud to young children, especially in an engaging and interactive way, plays a crucial role in fostering emergent literacy and language development. Beyond building skills, it nurtures a deeper connection between parent and child and inspires a lifelong love of reading.

"Literacy begins at home!" Tracy Robinson

Increase the Paternal Investment


Paternal investment is the time, energy, and resources fathers dedicate to their children—has profound effects on children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Interactive

Reading

Building Children's Literacy Skills Through Interactive Reading

Shared Reading

Shared reading is a powerful tool for developing children's literacy and language skills, and both parents play a critical role.

New Salem Fatherhood Ministry

The New Salem Fatherhood Ministry is making a meaningful impact in the Linden community by collaborating with four local elementary schools to host "Doughnuts with Dad" events. These gatherings encourage fathers to commit to reading with their children for 20 minutes daily, fostering stronger bonds and promoting literacy.

Make the Commitment

Join the Community

About Us

Leading by Reading is a literacy movement initiated by Deacon Tracy Robinson after a conversation with Dr. Keith A. Troy, Pastor of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Motivated by Pastor Troy's call to action, Deacon Robinson stepped up to provide vital leadership within the church and the wider community.

Deacon Tracy Robinson, a dedicated husband of 36 years, father of two adult sons, and Sunday School teacher, has served as a Deacon for 35 years at the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. As a passionate advocate for literacy, Deacon Robinson has played a pivotal role in engaging parents, children, and community members in educational initiatives. His expertise is motivating fathers to actively participate in their children's education. We have literacy projects in four elementary Columbus City Schools.

Deacon Robinson is currently a PhD candidate in education at the Patton College of Education at Ohio University. He leads a comprehensive literacy effort in the Linden area, aiming to increase literacy rates among elementary school children and pave the way for a brighter future. This collaboration is made up of the North Area Linden Commission, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, and Columbus City Schools. This literacy initiative has been initiated and led by the community. Schools.

Join us in fostering a culture of reading and empowering the next generation through education and community engagement.

Welcome To LEADING By READING Community

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