Preds Partner with Governor's Early Literacy Foundation for Team Read TN

Whether it was a story at bedtime, a beloved book in the classroom or that first trip to the library to find the hockey section, we all have favorite tales that inspired us to keep reading and learning.
This month, the Predators are teaming up with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) to support the launch of Early Literacy Month with the Team Read TN campaign.
"As students of all ages adjust to the uniqueness of a virtual classroom environment this fall, encouraging their love of learning is especially important," Nashville Predators Chief Operating Officer Michelle Kennedy said. "In honor of Early Literacy Month in Tennessee, the Nashville Predators organization is proud to partner with the Governor's Early Literacy Foundation to build lifelong learners and promote the importance of reading. As members of Team Read TN, we look forward to encouraging children throughout Tennessee to embrace the many joys of literacy and learning."

"The Predators know how to rally Tennesseans and create a winning team," GELF President James Pond said. "We are grateful to have them on our Team Read and for their support of Early Literacy Month. Together, we can create brighter, stronger Smashville and state."
With fewer than half of Tennessee third graders able to read proficiently, GELF is rallying Tennesseans to come together to strengthen early literacy and build lifelong learners across the Volunteer State, and Preds fans can help.
To participate in the Team Read TN campaign challenge, post a message on the social media channel of your choice by sharing the book or person that sparked their love of learning. Upon posting, participants can encourage friends and social figures with a call to action to join the challenge. Posts should include the hashtag #TeamReadTN. The campaign will engage participants across social platforms Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to promote lifelong learning.
Early Literacy Month has even greater significance this year as GELF programs are bridging even larger gaps with thousands of children in Tennessee navigating a different classroom environment this September. The statewide early literacy programs GELF sustains include Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Storybook Trails, Book Buses, Caregiver Engagement and K-3 Book Delivery.
"We are facing one of the most unique and challenging periods in history, but our children are resilient and can continue to learn and thrive," Pond said. "We have programs and resources in place that children across Tennessee can access and benefit from, but we need the community's help in making sure families know what is available to them and raising funds to maintain these programs. We believe literacy is a birthright, and we are confident we can help shape a brighter future for Tennessee, from cradle to career. Join #TeamReadTN!"
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on GELF's efforts, and take a look as some Preds personalities recall their favorite books and memories of early learning along the way.