There’s nothing better than coming together over a story, especially this year. The shared experience and connection of reading aloud is so needed because it’s more than just about reading books together.
Today we celebrate World Read Aloud Day and the power of reading aloud. For 12 years, World Read Aloud Day has called attention to the importance of sharing stories. It’s challenged participants to grab a book, find an audience, and read aloud around the world. This global effort is now celebrated in over 173 countries and counting!
Reading aloud helps build confidence in public speaking. It engages the mind and helps to bring stories to life in a way that compliments the written word. It’s important to read aloud today and every day, regardless of how old your kids are.
In honor of World Read Aloud Day, I invited Pam Allyn, Senior Literacy Advisor to Scholastic, author, founder of LitWorld, and creator of World Read Aloud Day to share ways to celebrate reading aloud. Below she advice for families to celebrate reading aloud together in a time it’s so needed.
Contributed piece from Pam Allyn, Senior Literacy Advisor to Scholastic, author, founder of LitWorld, and creator of World Read Aloud Day
Reading aloud is an essential and inspirational way to bring learning into the education experience and technology can help these strengths grow. For example, kid-friendly tech tools can help our young students keep records of what they are saying, thinking, and feeling about the read-alouds being shared.
We can invite kids to create their own songs or make playlists inspired by the read-aloud. With the power of technology, we can build a worldwide sense of closeness and meaning through stories, whether we are together or apart.
Above all, reading aloud is a powerful way to foster connections, even in socially distant, virtual spaces.
7 Ways to Celebrate Reading Aloud Together on World Read Aloud Day
Here are some ways that families can celebrate reading aloud together in a time this is so needed:
- Encourage kids to choose the book you will read together – when kids choose, they read! The Scholastic Kids & Family Reading Report™ tells us that kids love and are more likely to finish a book they have picked out themselves.
- Use funny voices for different characters and act out scenes to make the read-aloud exciting and interactive.
- If your child is a reader, ask them to read to you. Taking ownership of the read-aloud experience is powerful for kids.
- If you are at home with your family, create a cozy space to read together in comfort, and even enjoy a treat while you read.
- Find ways to get everyone involved, including grandparents, cousins, friends, and even pets!
- Be creative by writing your own stories and sharing them.
- If you’re hosting a virtual read-aloud, make it a fun experience by using a virtual background that goes with the theme of your book.
To encourage and support even more participation on World Read Aloud Day, Scholastic has created a free and easy-to-use World Read Aloud Day VirtualKit. It includes a special read-aloud video message from Malcolm Mitchell and a list of 30 World Read Aloud Day Book Picks
In honor of today, look for a special World Read Aloud Day reading crown and coupons for the Scholastic Store Online. There are custom screen backgrounds that educators, students, and your family can use for virtual read-alouds. You can download free printable activity sheets and how-to craft projects inspired by beloved children’s books.
When you read aloud, share it! Participate in the World Read Aloud Day social media challenge by snapping a photo or video of a read-aloud moment! Be sure to use #WRADChallenge and #WorldReadAloudDay, tag at least three friends to join the fun, as well as @Scholastic and @LitWorldSays on Twitter, and @scholasticinc and @litworld on Instagram.
Families and educators can learn more about World Read Aloud Day and sign up to receive the free VirtualKit at www.scholastic.com/worldreadaloudday.
No compensation was received for this guest post provided by Scholastic. Scholastic also provided some images for this post. Affiliate links are included in this post.
