Celebrating National Literacy Month: 5 Ways Parents Can Promote the Love of Reading

September celebrates National Literacy Month, a time to emphasize the importance of reading and literacy in our lives. As educators, parents, and role models, we play a crucial role in shaping young peoples’ attitudes toward reading and fostering a love for books that can last a lifetime. 

We all remember that favorite book growing up that we couldn’t put down until it grew old and dog-eared. We have the privilege to spark this passion for reading in the next generation - how cool is that?  Here are a few tips to encourage book lovers in your household:

1) Start Early and Make It Routine

Early exposure to books and reading significantly impacts a child's cognitive development and language skills. To instill a love for reading, make reading a daily ritual from infancy. Incorporate age-appropriate books into your child's routine, whether it's bedtime stories or playtime reading (Razdan, 2023). This not only helps with vocabulary acquisition but also establishes reading as an enjoyable and comforting activity.

2) Be a Reading Role Model

Children often emulate their parents' behaviors and attitudes. Show your children that reading is enjoyable by setting an example. Let them see you reading for pleasure, whether it's novels, magazines, or newspapers. When they witness your enthusiasm for reading, they're more likely to develop a positive association with it (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2023).

3) Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

Design a cozy and inviting reading space at home. Ensure the area is well-lit and stocked with age-appropriate books. Let your child have a say in choosing the books they'd like to read, which can boost their sense of autonomy and engagement (Paul & Russo, 2023). A dedicated reading nook can become a place of comfort and exploration.

4) Encourage Discussion and Exploration

Engage your child in conversations about the books they're reading. Ask open-ended questions about the characters, plot, and their thoughts on the story. This not only enhances their comprehension skills but also makes reading a social and interactive experience. Additionally, take trips to the library or bookstore to expose them to a wide variety of reading materials (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2023).

5) Incorporate Reading into Everyday Activities

Integrate reading into daily life beyond traditional storytime. Cook together using a recipe book, read street signs during walks, or explore informational texts related to your child's interests. This demonstrates that reading isn't confined to a single activity but is a skill with versatile applications (Paul & Russo, 2023).

Mercy Works believes in the importance of literacy and designed PAL Project for our young readers out there. Photography and Literacy (PAL) Project is facilitated by Syracuse University for junior high schoolers interested in photography, editing, and writing opportunities that can lead to careers in one of these fields. PAL Project links digital media and creative writing to improve students’ writing and reading skills. By linking literacy with photography, the program provides students with an opportunity for expression through both a visual and narrative connection.

Know someone who’d love this program? You’re in luck! The next PAL Project program is September 19th!  Celebrate National Literacy Month with us by igniting a passion for literacy and signing up for PAL Project through the link below. See you there, bookworms!

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Nati Torrence