As parents, teachers, and librarians, it takes a little creativity to encourage and motivate children to read. I would like to provide a few tips to inspire your young readers.
Visit the National Day Calendar (http://www.nationaldaycalendar.com) for interesting themes to celebrate. You can locate themes by the day, week, and/or month. For example, yesterday, January 2nd was National Science Fiction Day. Extend the day into a week or month and start reading a science fiction novel. Check out the latest science fiction movie or watch a classic science fiction television show. Write a science fiction short story. Enjoy the day and/or month celebrating National Science Fiction Day with your child/children or students. Below, I’ve chosen some National Days for this month. Enjoy and have fun creating your own literacy event(s) with your family and/or students!
- January 3rd – National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day: Purchase or make some chocolate covered cherry candies.
Book Recommendation: Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright
- January 5th – National Bird Day: Go bird watching.
Book Recommendation: Birds by Kevin Henkes
- January 15th – National Hat Day: Wear your favorite hat.
Book Recommendation: Aunt Flossie’s Hats by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard
- January 16th – National Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Participate, attend, and/or watch on television a MLK community service event.
Book Recommendation: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Doreen Rappaport
- January 18th -National Winnie the Pooh Day: Cuddle up with your favorite Pooh fan, a pot of honey and read about the escapades of Winnie the Pooh.
Book Recommendation: A Gift for Pooh (Disney Winnie the Pooh) by Sara F. Miller
- January 23rd – National Pie Day: Bake or buy your favorite pie. Some businesses offer free slices of pie!
Book Recommendation: I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
- January 29th – National Puzzle Day: Exercise your brain with a puzzle (crossword, jigsaw, word searches, brainteasers, or Sudoku).
Book Recommendation: Junie B.’s These Puzzles Hurt My Brain! Book by Barbara Park
Thanks for stopping by and I invite you to join me again as I continue to explore literacy topics and issues affecting children.
Vanessa
Vanessa Fortenberry,
Teacher-Librarian
M.Ed., Media
Ed.S., Media
Reading Endorsement
