Brightening Futures:
Kentucky Power Cultivates a Passion for Reading
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
In a world that seems to be infatuated with screens and distractions, fostering a love for reading at a very young age is more vital than ever. The benefits of instilling this passion early cannot be overstated as it sets the stage for a lifetime of learning, creativity, and cognitive development. Studies show early exposure to books fosters empathy and emotional intelligence. Through stories, children encounter characters from diverse backgrounds and situations, promoting understanding and compassion. They can learn to navigate complex emotions and develop the ability to relate to others, which is a crucial skill for building healthy relationships later on in life. Additionally, a love for reading can spark curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, which seems to be an almost lost art due to children spending most of their time staring at a screen. Children who are avid readers are more likely to excel academically as reading enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration. These are important skills to master that will benefit them in all walks of life well into adulthood.
Kentucky Power understands the importance of fostering a love of reading at a young age. This past week, more than 1,200 elementary school students throughout 20 eastern Kentucky counties were fortunate enough to take part in Kentucky Power’s annual reading event on International Read to Me Day, which occurred March 19. International Read to Me Day marks an important occasion for families and communities to celebrate the importance and lifelong impact that fostering a love of reading at a young age can bring. Over 30 Kentucky Power volunteers attended 19 schools across eastern Kentucky and read students Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty. The book is a triumphant tale about an innovative young girl, named Rosie, who had big dreams of becoming an engineer and explains how she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of never giving up. Rosie Revere teaches children how to look beyond what others may view as trash and turn it into amazing innovative creations.
Sarah M. Nusbaum, Corporate Communications Manager for AEP, was present during one of the readings that took place at Crabbe Elementary School, and shared, “Kentucky Power has been involved with Read to Me Day for many years now, and we believe in the many benefits that the enjoyment of reading can bring. Our hope is by reading the story of Rosie Revere that we can help spark the imaginations of students from all across Kentucky and by doing so that they might be inspired to pick up another book to read or to have read to them by an adult.” Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in nurturing a love for reading. By making books an integral part of daily life and modeling reading behavior themselves, adults demonstrate the value and joy of literacy. Creating a literacy-rich environment at home with a variety of books readily available further reinforces the importance of reading.
“Reading is like a gift… a gift that you can open every day. You never know what you will find within the pages of a book.” Nusbaum explained. When children immerse themselves in books, they are transported to new worlds and encouraged to imagine, dream, and explore. Through storytelling, they learn to express themselves articulately and creatively, whether through writing, drawing, or other forms of artistic expression. Fostering a love for reading at a very young age is a gift that keeps on giving. It equips children with the tools they need to succeed academically, emotionally, and intellectually, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and enriching life. Kentucky Power was proud to play a small role in helping lay this groundwork. By prioritizing early childhood literacy, we can empower future generations to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.
