This March is National Reading Month! People all over the world are participating in contests, setting daily reading goals, or spreading the word to help increase literacy for all ages.
What is National Reading Month?
National Reading Month is a way to promote literacy and spread the joy of reading to all ages. Many organizations, such as Reading is Fundamental, the largest reading nonprofit in the United States, share the mission statement of the month. On their website, they say, “National Reading Month is an annual celebration dedicated to fostering a love of reading. Schools, families, libraries, and community partners participate through reading challenges, literacy events, story hours, and classroom activities. This month highlights the importance of reading and reinforces how strong literacy skills shape academic performance and lifelong learning.” Reading is an essential skill for life and helps us learn, communicate, and expand our prior knowledge.
Why celebrate reading?
“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope,” says former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Literacy is essential for breaking cycles of poverty, expanding education, and is important for interacting with the world. Reading is a part of literacy that is needed in everyday life; it helps us understand information and is needed for the growth and development of the world. Without reading, one may not be able to learn new things or live a simple daily life.
How can you celebrate?
CdM student Madelyn Poyourow was asked about the ways reading impacted her life. She said, “I love reading because I get to see life through another pair of eyes and sympathize with a character that leads a completely different life than mine. It’s also a great way to pass the time and is just really relaxing.” Poyourow also voiced that reading has given her an easy way to relax during the day and night.
You can celebrate National Reading Month by joining in online contests, visiting your local library, partaking in reading challenges with your family, and setting time daily to read in a quiet place.
Happy Reading, everyone!
