World Read Aloud Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday of February.
LitWorld founded the campaign twelve years ago in 2010 to advocate for access to literacy and diverse stories, as well as the power of reading aloud. It is even considered a national holiday in multiple countries!
Can I officially change my favorite holiday now? I am an enormous proponent of reading aloud to children and diverse stories are my jam!
“LitWorld’s annual World Read Aloud Day has become a movement engaging hundreds of millions of people around the world in standing up for literacy as a foundational human right,” says Dorothy Lee, Executive Director of LitWorld. “When communities have access to strong literacy tools, every aspect of life improves.”
Two weekends ago I had the honor of reading aloud at the Main Street Casa Grande Annual Street Fair. I usually just get to read aloud to my daughter or to my preschool students. To sit on a giant stage in front of a microphone definitely had a different feel but it was a lot of fun!
Maybe you won't have quite that experience but how can YOU celebrate World Read Aloud Day?
I have a few suggestions.
Ask your kiddos to read aloud to you! If you have older children in your family ask them to read one of their favorite books (or a chapter or two of a book). If your children are still learning to read, chances are they still like to tell you their favorite parts in their favorite books. And that's close enough. The point is, get everyone involved at whatever level they can. Everyone should pick a book and do what they can to read aloud.
Host a “Read Aloud Night” with extended family and friends. This would be a great excuse to Skype or FaceTime or Zoom with grandparents, cousins, aunties and uncles.
Unearth some hidden talent. Brave family members could read aloud poetry, essays or short stories they have authored.
Post pictures on social media. However you decide to celebrate, don't forget to tag #worldreadaloudday to continue to make reading cool and trendy!
I hope you have a very Happy World Read Aloud Day!
Keep playing and keep learning!
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