Join in the fun on World Read Aloud Day, Friday 1st Feb

One of the most important things we can do for our children, at home and at school, is to read aloud to them. Just hearing the written word builds a strong language and vocabulary foundation. It helps our kids develop empathy for others, curiosity about the world we live in, and it stimulates critical thinking. Our goal is for our children to start reading for enjoyment, meaning and understanding on their own. 

Listen to what this father says: "I believe it is important time to bond with my child, and many of my own favourite memories from childhood involve my parents reading to me. I love that it also instills a love for books and reading."

Statistics

The PUKU website in South Africa gives some interesting global literacy statistics about reading. Here are two examples: 

• Reading aloud to children every day puts them almost a year ahead of children who do not receive daily read-aloud reading, regardless of parental income, education level or cultural background. (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research)
• If all children in low-income countries left school literate, 171 million people could move out of poverty. (World Literacy Foundation)

That is why it is so exciting to have days in our calendar, like World Read Aloud Day, that put reading right into perspective.  Exciting reading activities will take place all over the world on 1 February 2019 for World Read Aloud Day. People all around the globe read aloud together and share stories on this day to advocate for literacy as a human right that belongs to all people. 

Activities we will see happening on Read Aloud Day

Here are a few examples:

1. Some people create their own special one-on-one read aloud moment at school or at home. The Litworld website gives a read aloud guide that shows how to read to children effectively.
2. Many teachers connect virtually with authors and classrooms for a special read aloud session using Skype.
3. Some classes around the globe read to each other via Skype.
4. Many websites such as KidLitTV have read aloud sessions where children can watch people reading exciting children’s books. 

World Read Aloud Day and E-Classroom

If you are looking for a variety of reading material for your children at home or school, then the E-Classroom website can help. We have many reading and comprehension activities for every grade.

Visit our website for more details: www.e-classroom.co.za 

Why don’t you join in the fun and find a child to read to on World Read Aloud Day, 2019? They will be so glad you did!