World Read Aloud Day: February 5, 2020

Since 2009, World Read Aloud Day has highlighted the importance of reading to one another. I can remember the first time a fellow teacher read "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein to us at a teacher faculty meeting. It was 1970 and I was a 4th grade teacher. It was powerful to watch all of these educators totally engaged. The discussion afterwards was meaningful and change the way our faculty meetings were conducted in the future.

If being read to as an adult has such a powerful impact, think about the importance of reading aloud to your children/grandchildren. Studies have shown that children who were read to regularly when they are very young have better language development and listening skills; are more imaginative; are more articulate; have a lifetime interest in reading; and have a stronger emotional connection with their loved ones.

Illustrations are visual clues that can help children expand their understanding and express their own views and interpretations. One scene in "Don't Be That KID! At School" depicts the KID not permitting another from playing basketball. It's a perfect opportunity to ask: "How do you think the kid feels being left out?" "What can the other kids in the group do to help him?" and "Why do you the the KID is doing it?" What a wonderful discussion you can have with your child/grandchild about all the different emotions he/she feels about being excluded from a group activity.

World Read Aloud Day is only once a year. Reading to a friend, a colleague, a child is something that should be done every day! So... grab a book, find someone and read aloud!