In honor of Read a New Book Month, we’re going to talk about encouraging kids to read. Reading is a fundamental skill that helps children learn and grow. Parents and educators must help kids develop a love for reading early. In this blog post, we’ll share some ideas on how you can help kids celebrate Read a New Book Month. We’ll also talk about the benefits of reading and how it can help marginalized youth in our communities. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for reading-based programs in your area!
Get The Scoop On Read a New Book Month in the USA
Why celebrate Read a New Book Month in December? As classrooms head into winter break, cold weather makes crawling under a blanket and reading a book more appealing to kids. If your kids are getting stir-crazy and looking for something to do, why not suggest reading a book? Here are some ideas to encourage kids to start reading a new book before the end of the year:
- Have a book drive and collect books for marginalized youth
- Donate books to your local library, school, or after-school program.
- Volunteer at a local literacy organization.
- Read to a child
- Start a book club for kids.
- Encourage kids to read by providing incentives, such as giving them a prize for reading a certain number of books.
Inspiring Youngsters That Are Just Learning How to Read
Here is a list of ways that you can inspire a love of books with the little ones that are just starting to read:
- Begin by reading to them at a young age. Beginning even at 3-6 months is beneficial. This will help them develop an interest in reading and see how fun it can be.
- Make sure they have access to books that they’re interested in. If they’re into dinosaurs, get them some dinosaur books!
- Let them see you reading. Kids are more likely to pick up a book if they see their parents, mentors, or other adults reading.
- Encourage them to read out loud. This will help them practice their reading skills and build confidence.
Reinforcing A Love For Reading While They’re Still Young
Once kids learn to read, it’s important to keep the momentum going and reinforce their love for reading. Here are some ways you can do just that:
- Help them choose books that are at their level. They should be able to read the books without too much trouble, but they shouldn’t be bored.
- Encourage them to read for pleasure, not just for school. Let them choose their books and read for fun.
- Set up a regular time for reading. Maybe they can read before bed or after breakfast.
- Make it a family activity! Read together as a family and have everyone take turns reading aloud.
Reading Books Should Be Fun, Even When It Is Perceived As Not Cool
Many middle and high school kids make it their job to poke fun at peers who read books for class and fun. This can lead to social isolation and a feeling that reading is not enjoyable. As Read a New Book Month is here, consider how you can encourage the kids in your life to hold on to their love of reading, no matter what their peers say.
If your child is being made fun of for reading books, you can do a few things to help. First, talk to your child about why they love reading and what they like about it. This can help them appreciate their love of reading and see that it isn’t something to be ashamed of. Additionally, you can help them find ways to respond to the teasing in a way that diffuses the situation. Finally, you can encourage them to find other kids who love reading and connect with them over their shared passion. By taking these steps, you can help your child continue to love reading despite the teasing they may face. Sharing the benefits of reading with your child may also help!
How Kids Benefit from Reading in the Short-Term
There are plenty of immediate benefits that come from helping kids to love reading. For one, it’ll help them do better in school. Good readers do better across all subject areas, not just reading and language arts. Additionally, it’ll help them develop strong critical thinking skills and the ability to pay attention for long periods. Reading is also a great way to relieve stress, so it can help kids relax and de-stress after a long day at school.
All The Great Things Kids Gain From A Life-Long Love for Reading
There are plenty of long-term benefits that come from helping kids to love reading. People who love reading are lifelong learners, always looking for new information and books to explore. Additionally, it’ll help them develop strong critical thinking skills and the ability to pay attention for long periods. Reading is also a great way to relieve stress, so it can help kids relax and de-stress after a long day at school, playing, or working as they enter adulthood.
How Reading Helps Marginalized Kids To Realize Their Full Potential
Reading can help marginalized youth in the community by allowing them to see themselves represented in the stories they read. When kids see themselves reflected in the books they read, it helps them feel like they belong and that their experiences matter. Additionally, reading can help kids develop empathy for others who may not share the same background or experiences. Reading is a great way to learn about other people and cultures, and it can help kids become more accepting and tolerant of others. Additionally, reading can help kids develop strong critical thinking skills and the ability to pay attention for long periods. Reading is also a great way to relieve stress, so it can help kids relax and de-stress after a long day at school.
Inspire the Kids In Your Life With These Local Reading Programs
Some reading-based programs in Spokane WA, that encourage kids to read include the Spokane County Library District’s Summer Reading Program, the Spokane Public Library’s Children’s Playspaces, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. These programs all work to encourage kids to read by providing incentives, such as prizes or rewards, for reading a certain number of books over the summer. Additionally, these programs often host events and activities centered around reading, which helps kids see reading as a fun and enjoyable activity.
Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post has inspired you to celebrate Read a New Book Month and encourage the kids in your life to read. Believe in Me encourages you to join us in celebrating Read a New Book Month and get out there and read a book!
