March is exciting for many reasons: snow is melting, spring is in the air, birds return, and crocuses pop up through the snow. But, it is especially exciting for kids, because MARCH IS READING MONTH! Each year, National Read Across America is celebrated on March 2nd. Teachers encourage children to read so many minutes a day, and coupons start coming home. Most importantly, reluctant readers catch the excitement and begin to BLOOM like the spring flowers.
How can you celebrate reading month at home and keep it exciting? Here are some simple tips and ideas:
Make a special spot for reading. It can be as simple as a pile of pillows and a basket full of books, or a fort under a card table and blanket.
Visit the library and look for books that are of special interest to your child. Ask the librarian for suggestions.
On a rainy day, have a read-in. Let the kids stay in their pajamas and read to their favorite stuffed animal or furry pet. Then, watch a book themed movie such as Charlotte's Web.
At night, let them spend the half hour before bed reading with a flashlight.
If you know it is an especially busy day, look for pockets of time such as in the car or on the bus ride home. Sometimes, it is just not possible and everyone gets a break.
Go to a bookstore and buy a special book. You can also find great books in used bookstores and thrift shops
Have kids read with a friend, brother, sister, or grandparent. Facetime reading with a loved one is always special.
You and the grandparents could also share and talk about favorite childhood books. My grandkids have seen my tattered Little House books, and their great grandmother's older versions of Nancy Drew.
Let the kids catch you reading.
More than anything, keep it fun and, hopefully, they will grow into life long readers!
PLAY-ACT A FAVORITE STORY
To help you celebrate reading, I have designed this downloadable reading poster just for you. By subscribing to my monthly newsletter, you will have exclusive access to this poster as well as all other printables in my resource library. You will receive the password to the resource library in the welcome email.
