National Literacy Month

September is National Literacy Month! September 8th, 2013 is UNESCO International Literacy Day. Celebrate reading, books, and the joy of literacy with the many events all over the world.

For over 40 years now, UNESCO has been celebrating International Literacy Day by reminding the international community that literacy is a human right and the foundation of all learning. More info and events at UNESCO.

Once again this year, Jamaica, Scotland, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, UN Women for Peace, Nigeria, and United States will join the rest of the world and the International Reading Association in celebrating September 8 as International Literacy Day.

KinderCare Learning Centers suggest these ways you can promote literacy in your own home.

• Be a reading role model for your child by reading newspapers, magazines and books of your own
• Establish a routine time and place for reading. Try to set aside at least 20 minutes each day to read with your child
• Invite your child to select books to read and before you begin a new book, engage your child’s imagination by reading the book’s  title and asking your child what the story might be about
• Allow your child to hold the book, see the illustrations and turn the pages
• Pause periodically to ask questions about the text to help your child develop comprehension
• Read the same books over and over again. Children love repetition and they delight in being able to “read” along when a book becomes familiar to them
• Make reading a relaxed, fun activity and eliminate distractions such as television, music, and phone