The Rotary Club of Owasso actively champions early education through our literacy programs, providing every third-grade student in our community with a personal student dictionary. This essential tool sparks curiosity, builds vocabulary, and fosters lifelong learning. We firmly believe in the transformative power of literacy. As the saying goes, “Children learn to read up to age three. From age three and up, they read to learn.”
By giving every third grader a dictionary, we help bridge the gap between learning to read and reading to learn. “A dictionary teaches a child how to approach a problem and use critical thinking skills by sounding out the word and finding it in the dictionary. This simple task gives them self-confidence and satisfaction that they cannot get online.”
For context, the Tulsa Beacon newspaper recently highlighted statewide efforts related to third-grade reading outcomes.
Tulsa Beacon Articles:
January 1, 2026 | Oklahoma Reads Act
April 2, 2026 | Third-Grade Reading Reform Clears Both Chambers of Oklahoma Legislature
Each year, our Rotary Club initiatives take action to equip classrooms across Owasso, Oklahoma, with this valuable resource. In March 2026, we provided 838 dictionaries. This consistent outreach ensures that no child is left behind in their journey toward literacy.
This project is managed through our "Five Avenues of Service." Your support enables us to continue this mission of empowering young minds, one dictionary at a time.