What is Born Readers?
Workshops/Consulting
Born Readers, LLC:
Building Literacy From the Very Beginning

Northeast Ohio Regional Library System
National Partnership
Understanding Reading Milestones
From the very first coos to recognizing their favorite stories, children embark on an incredible journey of literacy development. Understanding these key milestones helps caregivers support their child's growth at every stage, making reading a natural and joyful part of their world.
0-6 Months: Listening & Exploring
Babies react to sounds, voices, and expressions. They enjoy hearing stories read aloud, exploring books with their senses, and recognizing familiar faces.
6-12 Months: Babbling & Engaging
Infants babble, respond to their name, and point to pictures in books. They enjoy interactive story times, turning pages, and playing peek-a-boo with books.
1-3 Years: First Words & Read Aloud Stories
Toddlers begin speaking first words, mimicking sounds, and showing preferences for certain books. They enjoy simple stories, identifying objects, and repeating familiar phrases.
3-5 Years: Letters & Comprehension
Preschoolers recognize letters, understand basic plotlines, and engage in imaginative play inspired by books. They can retell stories and ask questions about characters.
Every child develops at their own pace, but recognizing these general stages helps tailor reading experiences to be most effective and enjoyable for little learners.
What Is Born Readers?
Born Readers is a community-wide initiative that promotes literacy from birth through age five. Our mission: help families raise children who love books before they ever learn to read.
Parents as First Teachers
Empowering caregivers with tools and confidence to nurture early readers
Daily Reading & Language
Encouraging rich, joyful interactions with books and conversation every day
School-Ready Foundations
Building the critical skills children need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond
Joy, Bonding & Access
Centering love, connection, and equitable access to books for every family
Why Start at Birth?
Literacy begins long before a child ever sets foot in a classroom — from the very first moments of life.
Day 1
Language Learning Begins
Babies absorb language, tone, and rhythm from birth
3 yrs
Vocabulary Already Set
By age 3, children understand most of the vocabulary they'll use in everyday conversation
1,000+
Neural Connections/Second
Brain development in early years is driven by the richness of a child's experiences

Did you know? By age 3, children already understand much of the vocabulary they will use in everyday conversation. The words they hear today become the language they speak tomorrow.
Families Are the First Teachers
Children spend far more time at home than anywhere else — and that time shapes everything.
900
School Hours/Year
Time spent in structured classroom settings
7,800
Hours Outside School
Time spent at home and in the community
Language Development
Everyday talk and stories build vocabulary and communication skills
Curiosity
Exploration at home sparks the love of learning that lasts a lifetime
Emotional Connection to Books
Shared reading creates warm associations with stories and learning
School Readiness
Home experiences lay the foundation for kindergarten success
Reading ToolKit
A simple, research-informed guide to raising readers from birth to age 12.

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The Reading Toolkit

A simple, practical guide to raising confident, curious readers no teaching degree required. Born Readers™ by Annisha Jeffries Get Started Explore Resources Welcome You don't have to be a teacher to raise a reader. You just have to be present. What This Toolkit Is Simple, practical strategie

National Literacy Partnership
National Literacy Partnership
Born Readers collaborates with organizations nationwide to expand early literacy support for families with young children. These strategic partnerships are crucial in fostering a love of reading from an early age.
Our current work includes working with the LaundryCares Foundation, supporting community-based literacy initiatives across the country. We focus on meeting families where they are, providing practical tools for language development and school readiness.
What Makes a Child "Born to Read"?
Let's clear up a common misconception: children are not born reading — they are born ready to learn. Every baby comes into the world equipped with an incredible capacity for language, connection, and discovery. What they need from us is the right environment and encouragement to let those natural abilities flourish.
Hearing Language Daily
Surrounding children with rich, varied spoken language from the very start
Responsive Conversation
Engaging in back-and-forth exchanges that show children their words matter
Shared Book Experiences
Cuddling up with a book and exploring stories together as a family
Play-Based Exploration
Learning through imaginative play, curiosity, and hands-on discovery
Positive Emotional Connection
Building warm, trusting relationships that make learning feel safe and joyful
The Power of Interactive Reading
There's a world of difference between reading to a child and reading with a child. When we invite little ones into the story — asking questions, pointing to pictures, and connecting what's on the page to their own lives — we transform storytime from a passive activity into a powerful learning experience.
Ask Questions
"What do you think happens next?" or "Can you find the red ball?" sparks critical thinking and keeps children engaged.
Point to Pictures
Drawing attention to illustrations helps children connect words to images, building vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Let Children Turn Pages
Giving children control over the book builds motor skills and a sense of ownership over the reading experience.
Connect Story to Real Life
"Remember when we saw a dog like that?" Bridging stories to experiences deepens understanding and engagement.

💡 Remember: Interactive reading strengthens comprehension, builds vocabulary, and makes storytime something children look forward to every single day.
Early Literacy Happens Everywhere
You don't need a special classroom or expensive materials to build your child's literacy skills. Some of the most powerful learning moments happen during everyday routines — at the grocery store, during bath time, on a walk through the neighborhood, or while cooking dinner together. Literacy is woven into the fabric of daily life.
Children learn best when they are engaged and having fun. The key is to fill your child's world with language, sounds, and stories — no matter where you are or what you're doing.
Talking During Routines
Narrate what you're doing: "Now we're putting on your shoes — one, two!"
Singing Songs
Songs build rhythm, rhyme awareness, and memory — all essential pre-reading skills.
Naming Objects at the Store
"Look at the bright red apples! Can you say 'apple'?" Labels build vocabulary naturally.
Playing With Rhymes & Sounds
Silly rhymes and word games help children hear the building blocks of language.
Storytelling Through Play
Pretend play with dolls, cars, or blocks is storytelling in action — it builds narrative skills.
Ages 0–18 Months
Books for Babies

Born Readers

Blog | Born Readers

For the youngest readers, books are a sensory experience. Babies explore with their hands, mouths, and eyes — so the best books for this age are sturdy, visually engaging, and designed to be touched and tasted (yes, really!).
At this stage, the focus isn't on comprehension — it's on bonding and sensory exploration. The warmth of your voice, the rhythm of the words, and the closeness of being held create positive associations with books that last a lifetime.
Board Books
Thick, durable pages that little hands can grasp and explore
High-Contrast Images
Bold black-and-white patterns capture developing visual attention
Faces & Familiar Objects
Babies are drawn to human faces and recognizable items
Rhythmic Language
Sing-song patterns and repetition soothe and engage babies
Ages 18–36 Months
Books for Toddlers
Toddlers are on the move — and their reading lives are just as active! At this stage, children crave repetition, predictability, and the sheer delight of hearing their favorite story for the hundredth time. That's not just okay — it's exactly how they learn. Each re-read deepens understanding and builds confidence.
Repetition & Predictable Text
Books with repeated phrases let toddlers "read" along and feel like real readers — building confidence and joy.
Interactive Elements
Lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, and peek-a-boo books turn reading into hands-on exploration and discovery.
Animal Sounds & Simple Stories
Toddlers adore making animal sounds and acting out simple narratives — encourage participation and imitation!
Ages 3–5 Years
Books for Preschoolers
Preschoolers are ready to take the next big leap in their reading journey. Their growing imaginations, expanding vocabularies, and natural curiosity mean they can handle — and truly enjoy — longer, richer stories with complex characters and creative plots.
This is the stage where a genuine love of reading takes root. The stories children experience now shape their expectations about learning, creativity, and the power of language. It's also a critical window for building the skills that lead to school readiness.
Longer Stories
Multi-page narratives with beginning, middle, and end
Humor & Imagination
Silly characters and fantastical worlds spark creativity
Problem-Solving Plots
Stories where characters face challenges build critical thinking
Rich Vocabulary
Exposure to new words in context expands language naturally
Narrative Structure
Understanding story arcs prepares children for reading independently
The Role of Libraries
Libraries are more than buildings filled with books — they are early literacy hubs that serve as the heart of a community's commitment to young readers. At the Cleveland Public Library and libraries across the country, families find a welcoming, judgment-free space where every child's love of reading can grow.

📚 Free Book Access
Thousands of board books, picture books, and early readers available to every family — no cost, no barriers

🎶 Storytimes & Programs
Engaging, age-appropriate sessions featuring songs, stories, and activities that build literacy skills

👨‍👩‍👧 Parent Education
Workshops and resources that empower caregivers with practical strategies for reading at home

🎒 Literacy Kits
Take-home kits with books, activities, and guides that make learning fun and accessible

🏠 Safe Community Spaces
Welcoming environments where families can connect, play, and discover together
Removing Barriers to Literacy
We know that not every family has the same access to books, time, or support. Many caregivers face real challenges that can make early literacy feel overwhelming or out of reach. Born Readers meets families where they are — with compassion, practical strategies, and real solutions that remove obstacles and open doors.
Limited Book Access
Not every home has a bookshelf. We provide free books, library cards, and mobile book delivery to underserved neighborhoods.
Time Constraints
Busy schedules are real. Even five minutes of shared reading daily makes a measurable difference in a child's development.
Language Barriers
We offer multilingual resources and programs so every family can engage in their home language — bilingualism is a strength!
Economic Pressures
All Born Readers programs and materials are free. Financial hardship should never stand between a child and a book.
Lack of Confidence
You don't need to be a perfect reader. We help caregivers build skills and confidence in a supportive, encouraging environment.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
The most impactful things you can do are simple, free, and deeply meaningful.
Read Every Day — Even Briefly
Just five to ten minutes of shared reading builds powerful habits. Bedtime, breakfast, or bath time — any moment counts.
Talk Constantly With Your Child
Narrate your day, describe what you see, ask questions. Every word you share fills your child's language bank.
Let Children Choose Books
When children pick their own stories, they feel ownership and excitement. Honor their choices — even if it's the same book again!
Make Reading Joyful
Use silly voices, act out scenes, and laugh together. Reading should feel like a treat, not a chore.
Re-Read Favorites Often
Repetition is how young brains learn. Re-reading beloved books builds fluency, memory, and deep comprehension.
Literacy Builds Relationships
More Than Words on a Page
Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the bond between a caregiver and a child. When you hold a little one close and share a story, you're doing so much more than teaching letters and words — you're building trust, security, and love.
Shared reading creates positive associations with books that last a lifetime. Children who feel safe and loved during storytime grow up believing that reading is a source of comfort, connection, and joy.
What Shared Reading Builds
Stronger Bonds
Snuggling with a book creates cherished moments of closeness and connection
Positive Book Associations
Children learn that books mean warmth, safety, and togetherness
Trust & Security
Consistent reading routines provide predictability that helps children feel safe
Empathy & Imagination
Stories help children understand feelings, perspectives, and the wider world
How Communities Can Help
It takes an entire community coming together to ensure every child has the language-rich environment they need to thrive.
🏛️ Align | Libraries, schools, and healthcare providers working toward one shared goal
🤝 Support | Community groups and families providing daily love, language, and books
📣 Advocate | Policy makers funding and championing early childhood investment
Our Vision
We imagine a future where every child enters school with the confidence, curiosity, and language skills they need to succeed. A future where no child falls behind because they didn't have access to books or a caring adult who read to them. That future starts now — with all of us.
Ready to Learn
Prepared with foundational skills for academic success
Confident With Language
Able to express ideas, ask questions, and tell their own stories
Curious About the World
Eager to explore, discover, and learn something new every day
Connected to Books
Seeing reading as a source of joy, comfort, and adventure
Supported by Community
Surrounded by adults and institutions invested in their success
How You Can Get Involved
You don't have to be a librarian, teacher, or literacy expert to make a difference. Every person in a child's life has the power to nurture a reader. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, neighbor, or community leader, here's how you can support the Born Readers mission:
Read With Children Daily
Commit to sharing at least one book a day. Bedtime, morning, or anytime — consistency is what matters most.
Share Books as Gifts
Give books for birthdays, holidays, and "just because." Every book in a child's home is a door to a new world.
Visit the Library Regularly
Make library visits a family tradition. Explore storytimes, pick new favorites, and take advantage of free resources.
Support Literacy Programs
Volunteer, donate, or spread the word about programs like Born Readers that serve families in your community.
Advocate for Early Childhood
Use your voice to support funding, policy, and resources for early literacy at the local and state level.
🌱 BORN READERS TOOLKIT
The Reading Toolkit for Families (Ages 0–12)
TOOLKIT STRUCTURE
You don't have to be a teacher to raise a reader. Start with your child's stage, choose 1–2 strategies, and repeat what works. Consistency beats perfection.
🧭 CORE TOOLKIT (BY STAGE)
🍼 0–12 Months: "First Sounds"
Focus: Connection + listening.
Try This: Pause while reading and let your baby respond.
👶 1–3 Years: "Little Talkers"
Focus: Vocabulary + interaction.
Try This: Point, name, and expand.
🎨 3–5 Years: "Story Explorers"
Focus: Story understanding.
Try This: Ask what happens next.
📖 5–7 Years: "Learning to Read"
Focus: Confidence.
Try This: Use echo reading.
🚀 7–9 Years: "Building Readers"
Focus: Stamina + habits.
Try This: Have a book talk at dinner.
🌟 9–12 Years: "Thinking Readers"
Focus: Identity + thinking.
Try This: Discuss themes and opinions.
"Readers are not made in school alone. They are made in homes, in laps, and in loving moments."
Together, We Can Raise a Generation of Readers
Every story you share, every song you sing, every conversation you have with a young child is planting a seed. Those seeds — nurtured by love, patience, and consistency — grow into confident, curious, capable readers who are ready to take on the world.
The work of early literacy is the work of hope. And it starts with you.
Thank you for being part of the Born Readers mission.