National Family Literacy Month

An opportunity for families to learn and read together

At first thought, we think of the word literacy as the ability to read and write. As we look deeper, we also see literacy as having knowledge or a level of competence in a particular area. Literacy provides an opportunity for growth through informative content and entertainment. Literacy was once seen as a privilege that was not universal to all. Now we have the possibility to increase literacy on multiple levels. In 1994, There was a huge push to expand literacy within families, and National Literacy Month was born. This initiative aimed to promote families reading together and implement literacy programs that could empower families. This article shares five ways families can celebrate National Family Literacy Month. There is a shift in what is considered to be family activities. Some families have family night, game night, or movie night. Some families are not able to gather as often due to challenging schedules. On some occasions, families have a mutual understanding of not gathering but being present whenever possible. Regardless of the presenting schedules and limitations, implementing a celebration of National Family Literacy Month is still possible. It is true that we ultimately make time for what we want to make time for. Even if we have to shift some things around, cut some things short, or eliminate what is unnecessary. We can adjust our schedules if we need to. What do we do when we are faced with an emergency or unexpected event that halts our plans- we adjust, then move forward based on the importance of the crisis. Let's make National Family Literacy month important this year. Investing time in this celebration will plant a seed of lifelong enlightenment. It encourages one never to stop learning, as long as they should live. It encourages pouring knowledge into the lives of our loved ones as our knowledge increases. It supports being humble and open enough for ongoing growth. Create a celebration that works best for your family. Let's take National Literacy Month to another level this year.

Joint Effort

One of the most impactful activities to help prepare children to read is for parents to read with their children. When children see their parents engaging in personal reading time, they will also pick up the reading habit. Studies show that consistent practices can create habits in as short as twenty days. Parents can help cultivate their children's love for reading by introducing them to books that would pique their interest. You can start by choosing a particular time of day or even a day of the week for family reading time. You may choose to read a portion of the content to the family. You can also let the family read on their own, at their own time. Try starting with short increments of reading fifteen minutes a day and gradually increasing from there.

National Author Day

Authors possess a skill that allows them to create content that uniquely connects with their designated audiences. Crafting content includes adding power words that help depict a visual in the readers' minds. November 1st is National Author Day. Families can celebrate Family Literacy Month by celebrating their favorite authors. Try to meet a local author or attend an event hosted by a local author. Many authors love to connect with readers and potential audiences. Authors want to know your thoughts on their work. On national author day, share a positive post about your favorite author.

Family Library Road Trip

What's going on at your local library? There are more than just books on the shelf at your local libraries. Libraries have broadened to offer multiple resources to citizens, especially with the new technology shift. These resources include classes, workshops, and even movie nights. As a family, you can check out a book that may also be a movie. Consider watching the movie and comparing the differences between the film versus the book. We have so many resources available via technology on our wireless devices. However, there is something different about having a library experience. Visiting the library promotes literacy.

“There is no substitute for books in the life of a child.” —May Ellen Chase

Create a local book exchange.

Some communities designate locations where neighbors can borrow and return the books for others to enjoy. This process is built on trust and courtesy. The reader must be committed to taking care of the book and returning it so that others may enjoy it. The process of donating books may look different now due to protective measures needed after the pandemic. However, if a physical book exchange does not work for your neighborhood, restrict this exchange to a close family or friend event instead.

Volunteer Reading

This month, pick a day to volunteer to read in the community. You may read at a local preschool, to patients at your local hospital, or even at a nursing home. If you cannot go in person to read, record yourself reading and send the recording to the designated facility. Make sure to read with a tone of enthusiasm and clarity. Family literacy month is indeed worth celebrating. As a family, you control the level of literacy appropriate for your family. There are no limitations to what you choose to learn as a family. Step outside of the norm and encourage your family to embrace the gift of literacy and continuous learning. We must never cease to learn.