Educators encourage kids and families to read at home to improve literacy rates [Video]

HARDIN — Barriers that are unique to Montana’s rural areas and indigenous communities sometimes make it difficult for kids to access books and begin their reading journey, according to Hardin Primary School Principal Roxanne Not Afraid.

“Sometimes that access isn’t available. I think the availability of a Barnes and Noble, ya know, book stores, because we’re in a rural community,” she said.

There’s a public library and school libraries in Hardin, but during the summer, sometimes those resources are closed or kids need a ride to check out books.

“The challenges are that every child has their own personal library in their home, and just getting that accessibility to have an actual book in their hands and to have a collection of books at home,” Not Afraid said.

She says once kids build their reading skills, everything else can take off from there.

The Hardin district now has preschool which …