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International Read To Me Day, celebrated every March 19 across the world, is a day that focuses on the importance of reading books to children. Whether it’s for 10 minutes a day, or an hour, reading to children really helps in developing their imagination, their knowledge, and their ability to read even before they join the school. This activity is essential since several countries across the world have a low literacy rate. Children in these nations are also taught to read at a later stage in life, hence, their interest in education is affected. If you want to live in an educated world, spread the message and start reading to your children every day.
International Read to Me Day is an occasion that aims to spread a message regarding the importance of reading to children. However, the day also promotes writers, the love for reading, as well as the message of promoting literacy and education across the globe. The day was originally created by the Child Writes Foundation as an attempt to encourage an increase in adult literacy.
Reading to children is important for this goal because according to a report, reading out to children in elementary school can actually lead to an increase in the love for reading. In fact, 40% of frequent readers ages six to 10 were read out loud at home. Literacy’s link to reading can be traced down to history as people became more educated once the written word was formed – the use of speaking out these words followed.
In the 4th Millennium B.C., messages were written using pictures. In fact, those who knew the art of writing and reading in 3500 B.C. would often hold public performances. The love for reading expanded when books originated in Rome in 23 B.C. Unfortunately, books were rare and expensive during this time, and only a select few had access to them. After the development of the printing press in the 15th century, books became accessible to the masses. And thus, with access to reading, came a rise in the literacy rate. The link between literacy and reading also became evident during the Industrial Revolution as the cost of books fell drastically. In the 1920s, literacy rates reached 70% in some parts of the U.S.
The primary goal of Read With Me Volunteer Programs is to assist elementary school students in reaching their potential by learning to read, comprehend and speak English. Developing strong reading skills early is critical not only for academic success, but it impacts vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking. The ability to read builds self-confidence and leads to higher test scores and better graduation rates.
Read With Me recruits and trains volunteers to work with these students during the school day or also in afterschool programs. Volunteers are asked to commit, based on the volunteer's availability, a minimum of 1 hour a week for 8 weeks during the school year. Volunteers undergo background checks before they begin working with students. The teachers provide the materials and match the volunteers with the students, working one on one or in small groups.
For more information on the program, contact Bruce Titcomb, bltitcomb@gmail.com.
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