-- Landover, Maryland-Calvin Thomas, born in Washington, D.C., founded It’s Reading Time with his wife Shannon nearly 3 years ago. They believe that children should have a better quality of life and that starts with reading well. According to the NCES, only 2% of kindergarteners can read sight words. Being able to read well provides more opportunities for better education, jobs, and overall stability, especially for minorities.
It’s Reading Time brings books to life through music, creativity, and fun. Its main function is to provide an online supplemental reading resource for minorities, parents, teachers, ESL learners, and all children ages 0-12. Calvin has been married for 15 years and has 4 beautiful children.
On January 23, 2019, just days after his youngest child was born, Calvin uploaded their first book on Youtube. While navigating 3 children in diapers, and a child in elementary school, the Thomas’ wanted a soothing way to help their children wind down at the end of the day. In addition to this, his wife Shannon was battling a life-threatening illness. As a result, Calvin had to quit his job in banking to care for his family. Because their children loved to be read to, Calvin decided to post a book on Youtube. Today, this dynamic duo has uploaded 500 books online and counting.
Mr. Thomas is a professional musician turned voice actor and producer. His desire is to inspire a love of reading in children, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. It’s Reading Time is unique, because Calvin creates original music for each book and uses sound effects as well as voice acting to enhance the viewer’s experience. In addition, there are a variety of different fiction and non-fiction books that include minority characters and different cultural backgrounds to keep children engaged.
Calvin understands the importance of a quality education early in life. He and his family love to read books and will continue to reach children around the world.
Further details on the channel and other information on It’s Reading Time can be found on their website: linktr.ee/itsreadingtimekids or visit https://itsreadingtimekids.org
Release ID: 89057837