Need for Improved Literacy:
Building Literacy, Confidence, and Character—One Story at a Time
At a time when children are surrounded by fast-paced digital distractions, fostering a genuine love of reading has never been more important. The Dirt Dog and Friends series was created to help young children discover the joy, comfort, and confidence that books can bring while filling the need for improved literacy.
Dirt Dog is a character children instantly connect with. His journey models perseverance, kindness, and self-worth, helping young readers see that their value comes from within. As children follow his story, they are naturally drawn into the reading experience, strengthening early literacy skills, comprehension, and emotional connection to books.
For educators, Dirt Dog provides a meaningful resource that supports literacy initiatives while reinforcing positive character development. For parents, the series offers an opportunity to create special shared reading moments that nurture both learning and emotional growth.
When children see Dirt Dog reading, learning, and growing, they begin to see themselves as readers too. This connection helps build confidence, encourages repeated reading, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of literacy.
FREE Game 4 Companion Learning Pack is HERE!
Extend the learning beyond the screen with a FREE 33-page printable companion pack for Dirt Dog’s 3-Letter Word Builder. Designed for classroom, homeschool, and family practice, the pack reinforces the same 25 short-vowel words children encounter in Game 4.
Includes: 25 coloring and word-writing pages, 5 short-vowel spelling and tracing sheets, parent/educator guidance, and a Super Reader certificate.
Free to learn. Free to practice. Free to grow. ❤️
Coming Soon! Dirt Dog’s Little Authors ✏️📚
Every Child Has a Story to Tell!
We’re developing a FREE interactive storytelling experience designed to encourage creativity, strengthen early writing skills, and help children become confident young authors!
With different levels of writing support, Little Authors will give children opportunities to create their own illustrated stories while learning at their own pace.
Parents, educators, homeschool families, and librarians: We invite you to explore our plans in the preview below!
Development Preview: Little Authors is still in development, and some features may change before release.
“Simple Ways to Help Grow a Reader”
Dirt Dog and Friends Series – Literacy Purposes and Goals
Introduction Letter from Lisa M. Pritchard to Parents, Educators, Caregivers, Churches: Promoting the Need for Improved Literacy
Literacy Articles
Read the articles below for facts and statistics resulting from recent research.
usareads.org
The Research
“All children need to grow up with books –and lots of them.”
edweek.org
Reading Scores Fall to New Low on NAEP, Fueled by Declines for Struggling Students
“Historic percentages of students are reading below the basic level.”
edweek.org
U.S. Reading and Math Gap is Getting Worse for Adults, Too
“…PIAAC, show that 16-to-65-year-olds’ literacy scores declined by 12 points from 2017 to 2023…”
