Courtesy: Northwest Arkansas Reading Council

The Northwest Arkansas Reading Council will host “Tuesday Tea” for Northwest Arkansas’ young girls on Tuesday, October 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The tea, scheduled to take place at the Fayetteville Town Center, will provide second and third grade girls in Northwest Arkansas the opportunity to experience literacy and learn about both the importance of social etiquette and how it impacts their daily lives.  Local schools will provide two lessons on literacy and manners prior to the event, and then conclude with a lesson after the tea party, focusing on writing and etiquette. 

The Northwest Arkansas Reading Council promotes literacy in Benton, Washington, Madison and Carroll Counties.  It is affiliated with the Arkansas Reading Association and International Reading Association.  “The Northwest Arkansas Reading Council provides rewarding opportunities for professional growth and exciting opportunities to impact children’s literacy through collaboration with educators, parents, and community leaders,” says Northwest Arkansas Reading Council President Donna Owen. 

The Department of Justice states, “The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure.” Over 60 percent of inmates in America’s prisons are illiterate and 85 percent of all juvenile offenders have reading problems (U.S. Department of Education).  According to the Children’s Defense Fund, more than 50 percent of children cannot read at their grade level.  Based upon research, the Council understands that in order to help children in Northwest Arkansas, they need to provide both resources, in the form of books, as well as opportunities to teach children about reading and to encourage them to read.  “Every child deserves the chance to succeed in literacy and in life.” states Owen.  “When we link together we can accomplish the extraordinary.”  This reflects the Council’s vision: Learn, Link, Lead, and Leave a Legacy.