Every year during the beginning of February, World Read Aloud Day highlights the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories. This year it falls on February 5,2020. Participants are encouraged to select a book, find a friend, and read aloud. The day also encourages parents to read aloud to their children.

It’s never too early for parents to start reading to their children. When parents read aloud to their kids, it helps foster language development and social-emotional learning. Additionally, reading aloud promotes happiness in children. When parents read to their children, it creates a spark in children to become joyful readers themselves. Also, both children and parents enjoy the special bond that gets created when parents read to their children.

Other benefits of reading aloud include:

• helping children acquire a larger vocabulary
• building a connection between the spoken and written word
• helping to increase attention span
• strengthens a child’s cognition
• providing a safe way to explore strong emotions

When reading aloud, parents should not read books that are too difficult or too easy. They should also find a place to read where there are minimal distractions. Parents should ensure they allow enough time to read the book. It’s important to read the book from beginning to end.

For older children try collections like Harry Potter. We read the book several nights in a row.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldReadAloudDay

Millions of people in over 170 countries celebrate this day. In 2019, the special day of reading was on the top trending hashtags on Twitter. Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker and Chelsea Clinton have participated in the event.

It’s easy to participate. Simply find someone or a group of people to read a book to. Parents can read to their children. Kids can practice reading aloud by sharing their favorite story with friends or family. Some people even read aloud to their pets. If you want to participate in a read-aloud event in your community, check with the library or bookstore.

To spread awareness for the day, use #WorldReadAloudDay on social media. Be sure to post a pic of the book you read aloud! Remember, this is one day that parents and children can #CelebrateEveryDay.

Don’t forget other great book celebrations this month. International Book Giving Day on February 14. National Library Lovers Day on February 12.

WORLD READ ALOUD DAY HISTORY

LitWorld, a nonprofit organization that promotes literacy, created World Read Aloud Day in 2010. Their mission is to strengthen kids and communities through the power of stories. The well-known book publisher, Scholastic, sponsors World Read Aloud Day.