Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

Celebrate the Power of Words and Stories and Take Action for Global Literacy with LitWorld
Worldwide at least 793 million people remain illiterate. Imagine a world where everyone can read... 

On March 7, 2012, LitWorld, a global literacy organization based in New York City, will be celebrating World Read Aloud Day. World Read Aloud Day is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another, and creates a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education and access to books and technology. By raising our voices together on this day we show the world’s children that we support their future: that they have the right to read, to write, and to share their words to change the world.
To learn more about LitWorld and to register to participate in World Read Aloud Day, please visit: http://litworld.org/wrad

Books to Try

I recently came across a book that I want to tell you about, called Cows Can’t Jump. By David Reisman. This is a fun book to read aloud to young children because of the repetitive frames that continue though the book. That type of repetition engages children because of the predictable pattern that appeals to them. (Think of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle.)

What makes this book even more tempting is that it is filled with action verbs—not just jump and swim, but some surprises . . . like slither. The words are enticing and are sure to lead to some lively acting out while reading—always a plus.

Underlying the structure and words is a very positive message. The book shows children that not everyone (or every animal) can do exactly the same thing, but that everyone can do something that is special and unique. So there is a lot talk about here as well despite the seemingly simple format.

And there is even more good news. There is a sequel called Cows Can’t Quack.

Check out this website for some preview pages of the books and information on how to find them.

http://www.jumpingcowpress.com/

World Read Aloud Day

I am excited to be an ambassador for LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day on March 7. I have already planned to have a party for my local friends to celebrate in February. It s a book exchange in which we can share books we have read and my guest will go home with a "new" book to read. I am also eager to spread the word about the amazing organization, LitWorld.

On March 7, I will celebrate be reading to a class of preschoolers in my town.

Please copy and paste this link into your browser to learn more about LitWorld and the upcoming World Read Aloud Day.
http://litworld.org/worldreadaloudday/

New Ambassador for Young People's Literature

Walter Dean Myers was just appointed to be the national ambassador for young people’s literature. Myers grew up in Harlem, a high school dropout, and the son of an illiterate man. Today his gritty realistic fiction is popular among young readers.

I heard Myers interviewed this morning on NPR. He says that today reading is more important than at any time. With the decline of manufacturing jobs, reading and reading-related skills are a must. Reading is not optional. It is necessary.

One of the most striking things he spoke about was his belief that parents, grandparent, and caretakers need to read to children—from birth. My blog followers know how strongly I believe that.

Listen for yourself. Here is the link:

http://www.npr.org/2012/01/10/144944598/to-do-well-in-life-you-have-to-read-well

LitWorld's World Read Aloud Day

I wanted to let you know about an upcoming event that is sponsored by my favorite literacy organization.

LitWorld’s annual World Read Aloud Day is coming up on March 7. I am actively involved in spreading the word about this special event and will be telling you more about it over the next weeks,

“World Read Aloud Day is about taking action to show the world that the right to read and write belongs to all people. World Read Aloud Day motivates children, teens, and adults worldwide to celebrate the power of words, especially those words that are shared from one person to another, and creates a community of readers advocating for every child’s right to a safe education and access to books and technology.” (from the LitWorld website)

Stay tuned!