Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers

Early Literacy Program

Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers Program offers:

  • High-quality early learning resources to support children’s health and literacy.

  • Child development information and book-sharing ideas.

  • Personal encouragement for parents and caregivers as they support their children’s learning and healthy habits every day.

A growing body of research confirms that a strong early-learning home environment predicts children’s success in school. Success in school strongly predicts health and economic self-sufficiency in adulthood.

During the summer of 2025, Hopa Mountain’s StoryMakers program is providing bookmarks and resources for summer reading programs. Complete our contact form for more information or call (406) 586-2455.

Here are some ways to make reading a fun activity for children you serve:

  1. Provide a variety of books and bookmarks for families to choose from.

  2. Find fun places for children to read—a tent outside, a fort, on the playground swings, or at a nearby park.

  3. Have kids try buddy reading. Invite older kids to read to younger ones. This could be viewed as their first "job"!

  4. Read with the kids. Choose a book suitable for your group and read it together.

  5. Reading and writing go hand in hand so encourage kids to keep a summer journal.

  6. Create a summer pen pal program. Kids love getting mail and e-mail. Reading letters is fun for kids.