In a heartwarming initiative to foster literacy, a barbershop in Michigan is partnering haircuts with reading. Located in Ypsilanti, just outside Ann Arbor, The Snip & Read offers a two-dollar discount to children who read aloud during their haircut. This innovative program is the brainchild of barber Jake Thompson, who was inspired by similar initiatives in other states and wanted to create a reading-friendly environment for kids.
Since launching the Read Aloud program in 2015, the barbershop has cultivated a small library of books, thanks to donations from the community and contributions from the barbers themselves. Children are encouraged to either pick a book from the shop or bring their own; as long as they read aloud to their barber, they can earn that two-dollar reward.
The owner, Lisa Carter, shared that the motivation behind the reading initiative is encapsulated in a powerful quote: “It’s easier to nurture strong children than to mend broken adults.” Not only do the barbers listen attentively, but they also provide support and encouragement to help boost the children’s confidence. “We even quiz them afterward to ensure they understood what they read,” Lisa explained.
This initiative goes beyond just improving literacy; it significantly enhances the children’s self-esteem as well. “Success is every time a child holds a book,” Carter said. “You can see their faces light up when they finish reading. And of course, the two bucks helps too!”
The Read Aloud program has received a fantastic response from parents, educators, and the children themselves. “We’ve had such positive feedback,” Carter noted. “Kids are at various reading levels. Some find it easy, while others might be hesitant or struggle, and we encourage everyone to participate.”
Since its inception, the barbershop has seen a growing interest in the program, and they are welcoming donations of books that feature positive representations of African-American characters to help the children see themselves in the stories.
Both Thompson and Carter, fathers themselves, are dedicated to making reading a central part of the children’s lives. “Every child faces their own challenges, and we just want to equip them for a brighter future,” Carter stated. “We’re aiming for a reading revolution!”
If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, check out this link for more insight, and for those seeking a comprehensive resource on pregnancy and home insemination, visit here.
In summary, the barbershop’s initiative not only provides haircuts but also a valuable opportunity for children to enhance their reading skills while gaining confidence and a small reward. The community’s involvement in supporting this program has been remarkable, showcasing the importance of fostering literacy at a young age.