Screen-Free Family Hour was open to all ages and showed families easy, inexpensive, and technology-free ways to practice the Every Child Ready to Read principles of talk, read, write, and play. Tips for practicing the principles were posted at each station. 25 people attended this Saturday afternoon program.

Talk-Set of cards with kid-friendly “would you rather” questions meant to encourage conversation.

Read-Variety of children’s books with beanbags and chairs to sit together and read.

Write-Paper, pencils, crayons, envelopes, stamps, and a list of children’s authors’ addresses to practice writing and addressing an envelope.

Play-Board games, puppets and a puppet stage to encourage playing and talking. Hand clap rhymes and cat’s cradle instructions sparked a sentimental smile in millennial parents.