November 1st is National Family Literacy Day #FamilyLiteracyDay and this is one #Holiday that is close to my heart. Because David can’t read or write and both Suzzane and Charlie struggled with #reading. I do everything I can to prevent #literacy and I hope you will as well. Join me and let’s let everyone we know about National Family Literacy Day.
Families across the Country today to come together to celebrate National Family Literacy Day on November 1st. We all know reading has many benefits and even more so when it comes to children. Families have so much to gain from reading together. Besides helping young children develop good vocabulary skills, reading provides valuable family bonding time. National Family Literacy Day also serves as a platform to appreciate the empowerment effort of literacy programs.
In 1994, statistics indicated that about 20–27 million of the United States’ workforce lacked basic reading, math, and writing skills required for complex jobs. In the same year, Congress issued Joint Resolution 413 declaring National Family Literacy Day. The observance has been celebrated across the United States ever since and involves events and activities that highlight the value of literacy programs.
The annual event, was first observed in 1994, and is celebrated on November 1st, although several related activities are held during the month. Literary organizations, libraries, and schools join the fun by hosting events including literary competitions, book drives, and even celebrity appearances.
Families are too often weighed down by financial and health concerns, among other things, but this observance gives parents the opportunity to foster meaningful relationships with their young ones through literary activities. National Family Literacy Day aims to give families the freedom to encourage the love for literacy in their homes.
With the ever-evolving nature of technological advancement, and with mobile phones and laptops taking center stage in the modern world, people are finding it more difficult to find time for reading. Instilling this routine in the younger generation is one of the best legacies to leave for them.
National Family Literacy Day not only highlights the power and joys of reading, but it can improve creativity and widen one’s perspective on life. Additionally, National Family Literacy Day aims to bring families even closer as they laugh and learn together.
National Family Literacy Day Activities
- If you don’t have enough room for a library, carve out a special space in your home for reading. Make sure your children’s books are close by and encourage them to use the space often.
- Take the opportunity today to take a fun trip to the local library with your family. If libraries are scarce, the bookstore will do.
- Book clubs are a great way to develop reading habits. Get your kids to join a book club at school or start one yourself!
Facts About American Literature
- Samuel Clemens (or Mark Twain) had almost drowned on nine different occasions by the time he turned 13.
- A nine-year-old boy became a millionaire when “Goodnight Moon” author Margaret Wise Brown bequeathed royalties from the book to him.
- J.D. Salinger was part of the Allied invasion on D-Day, and he had six chapters of early drafts for “The Catcher in the Rye” in his backpack.
- Prior to the release of the movie “Psycho”, director Alfred Hitchcock purchased all the copies of Robert Bloch’s novel because he was worried it might give away the plot twist in the movie.
- In 1991, a copy of the Declaration of Independence was found at a Flea Market in Philadelphia by a shopper, and it was worth about $2.4 million.
Why People Love National Family Literacy Day
Reading helps stimulate dialogue in the family and children are more open with their parents when they enjoy a shared activity.
The benefits of National Family Literacy Day stretch beyond literacy skills alone. National Family Literacy Day helps parents to improve their parenting skills and their attitudes towards formal education and learning in general.
Few things stimulate the mind as much as reading.
Children and indeed adults who read possess active imaginations and are more creative because of it.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
