September is National Literacy Month. Webster’s Dictionary defines literacy as “the ability to read and write”. Unfortunately, most of us take this important skill for granted! According to Unesco Institute for Statistics, 781 million adults – 2/3 of whom are women – cannot read or write. So if you know how to read and write, you really have a reason to celebrate!
How can you encourage your kids to commemorate National Literacy Month? Red Apple Reading has 10 suggestions to make September a fun month-long tribute to the written word!
- Write a Story – Encourage your children to get their creative juices flowing by penning their own story. If your kiddo is too young to write, let them dictate their tale and then add their own pictures.
- Visit the Library – What better way to celebrate National Literacy Month than with a trip to the library? Your kids don’t have a library card? No problem! September is also National Library Card Sign-Up month. Hit your local library and check out a good book.
- Work a Crossword – Reading is not the only way to interact with words. Buy a crossword or word search book for your little one. Better yet – create your own! Visit the Discovery Education website to make your own puzzle for free.
- Read to Your Child – If you think reading aloud is something you only do for little kids, think again! Children of all ages enjoy being read to. Pick a book that the whole family will enjoy and take turns reading to one another each night of September.
- Learn About an Author – Pay tribute to an author this National Literacy Month. Have your child research one of their favorite writers. You never know – learning about an author’s background may inspire your kid to become a writer as well.
- Find a Pen Pal – Writing letters may seem a bit old-fashioned, but it’s actually a great way for your little one to practice her writing skills. Check into finding a pen-pal for your child – her writing will improve and she will make a new friend in the process.
- Help an Emerging/Struggling Reader – Helping a struggling or emerging reader is a great way to give back to the community. Encourage your children to help younger siblings or friends at school with their reading. Parents can contact their local library or community E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) program to see if they are looking for reading tutors.
- Create a Writing/Reading Center – Creating a special place in your home for reading and writing shows your kids that you value literacy. Set up a family literacy center for your household. Magazines, books, colorful pens, paper, and markers set strategically in a room invite children to practice their reading and writing skills (but they’ll just think they’re having fun!)
- Play Word Games – Boggle, Scrabble, and Bananagrams are just a few fun games that encourage literacy. Visit a store near you and see what literacy promoting games are available. Your kids can sharpen their literacy skills while having a good time!
- Hold a Family Poetry Reading – Spend a Saturday night in September reading poetry together. Have everyone pick a favorite poem or two and read it aloud to the family. This will not only help children improve their fluency but may also spark a passion for poetry!
