Many parents, especially those with young children, are already familiar with Read Across America Day, a day that the National Education Association (NEA) created to honor Dr. Suess and his birthday on March 2nd.
Many schools often take advantage of the entire week to promote reading and celebrate with a variety of fun and whimsical activities. In fact, the entire month of March has been designated as National Reading Month.
However, last year the NEA decided to broaden the scope of Read Across America Day to promote the joy of reading all year rather than limit it to one day, week or month. We couldn’t agree more so we are highlighting some of the ways you can bring the pleasure of reading into your home all year long.
How To Bring Reading To Your Home
The love of reading develops early when it is established as part of a daily routine. The easiest way to do this is to read to your children every day. One of the best times to do this is right before they go to bed. Regardless of age, all kids love the extra one-on-one quiet time to be with their parents (or other loving adults) without any distractions.
As children get older and are beginning to read, parents can share the reading by taking turns with them. This will help encourage their developing reading skills and confidence. When kids start to become more fluent in their reading, parents can read a novel to them which will increase their comprehension and vocabulary skills.
Once they become independent readers, parents and children can start a family book club in which everyone reads the same book and meets often to discuss. Having a family book club inspires older children to continue to read and offers another opportunity for the same quality time together they had when they were younger.
Children of all ages will learn to love and be motivated to read when families make reading a habit that occurs every day and all year long.
Any questions? Please email us at Janice@Neighborhoodlit.com. Taylor Burke is a teacher and Director of Communications at Neighborhood Lit. and works closely with Janice Migliazza, a Reading Specialist and owner of Neighborhood Lit, Route 34, Colts Neck to bring you this information.
