Read To Succeed encourages the community to unplug from technology and enjoy the pleasures and educational enrichments of reading.

Read To Succeed hosts UNPLUG & Read Month every February as a community-wide initiative to promote reading. The community is encouraged to unplug from phones, computers, and televisions and pick up a book throughout the month. This year, Read To Succeed has created an activity card with creative ideas to participate in UNPLUG & Read With the increased use of electronics during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to take a break from screen time and prioritize literacy activities.

According to studies, reading for 20 minutes a day has a lasting, positive effect. Starting in kindergarten, if a student reads 20 minutes a day at home, they will hear 1.8 million words per year. Additional studies show that reading for at least 20 minutes each day sharpens various skills, such as memory retention, social-emotional skills and critical thinking. "It's important that everyone takes a break from their phones and TVs to read, even if it's just for a little bit each day," said Read To Succeed Executive Director Jolene Radnoti. "The past few years have been hard on everyone, especially our young students, and a little reading can go a long way to improve their lives."

During February, children and families are encouraged to complete the Read To Succeed UNPLUG & Read activity card. Children and their families can send their complete activity cards to Read To Succeed at MediaEvents@ReadToSucceed.org, and they will receive recognition on the organization's social media channels. More information can be found at https://www.readtosucceed.org/unplug-read/

About Read to Succeed

Read To Succeed improves lives in Rutherford County and promotes literacy with free programs and resources for children and adults. Read To Succeed supports its mission by fostering partnerships with providers, educators, community helpers and business owners, creating events and programming to promote literacy.