4 ways to make reading fun and engaging ahead of International Literacy Day
Sept. 1
Oftentimes as an educator, I hear parents say, “My child does not like to read.” It’s possible the child has a missing link, either they have not found the proper book genre or series, or they have been looking at reading from a viewpoint that makes it seem boring or unnecessary. The key to get kids to read is to make literacy fun and engaging.
Did you know September 8 is International Literacy Day each year? There’s no better time to plan ways to celebrate literacy with our children and students. Here are four tips to help spark a joy for literacy.
1. Explore all genres. If a child seems reluctant at first, do not give up and assume a child does not like reading. Even I am an avid reader, but if you give me a fantasy book, I will give up and not be excited. There is a possibility, for example, a child might not be enjoying the fiction books we are supplying them with. Perhaps they would prefer stories about history or space.
2. Do not set limits. Why tell a child what they cannot read? As long as they are eagerly picking up reading material, we should encourage them to engage in literacy. This may be in the form of graphic novels or even magazines. Despite the type of “book,” they are still exploring new vocabulary and learning to find joy in reading.
3. Add a competitive component. We can’t deny that we live in a gaming world, and children love to work towards a goal or for a prize. Create some goals (number of books, time spent reading, etc.), and come up with rewards too. Join in the competition yourself, and see how your reading habits influence your child or students.
4. Consider different formats. It can be tempting to think because it’s not an old fashioned, physical book that a child cannot learn from it. But we should keep an open mind and understand all sorts of mediums for reading are okay. These can include audiobooks and e-books. In fact these new formats can be a great tool to spark the love of literacy.
What are some ways you plan on celebrating International Literacy Day? Share your ideas with us on the Arizona PBS Kids Facebook page!
About the author
Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (7). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent over 10 years educating third graders, with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.
