I hope that everyone wished Dr. Seuss a happy birthday on March 2nd! In honor of the legendary children’s author, the National Education Association assigned March 2nd to be “Read Across America” Day. This special day kicks off Literacy Month which encourages Americans to read every day of March!
Why Is Literacy Month Important?
With the main goal being to inspire people of all ages to read every day of the month, Literacy Month can benefit everyone who participates in the near and distant future.
To begin with, reading has many health benefits. Reading requires thought and consideration which activates different parts of your brain. By reading, you can strengthen connections in your brain. Reading also strengthens memory and attention which are cognitive functions that are likely to be negatively affected as you get older. By reading more, you are protecting your cognitive function.
Furthermore, reading is also good for mental health. It can reduce stress by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, children will build more confidence in their ability to read which can help them in all areas of schooling since reading is prominent in all subjects. Increased literacy skills also means increased test-taking skills, so more reading can help students succeed in school. This helps students become less stressed due to their new ability that will hopefully help them pass!
Also, books can provide people with a sense of identity or aspiration through the characters they can feel connected to. Those going through a tough time can also use books as a fantasy world to escape to, providing them with strength and encouragement.
Overall, Literacy Month is important in encouraging people to improve their mental health, confidence, and their aspirations.
Things To Do During Literacy Month
Read Books
Reading is not only essential for education and development, but it is also fun! Here are a list of books recommended by “Read Across America” to check out during March:
- For an Elementary level, read Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston by Alicia Williams.
- For Middle School level, read We Belong by Cookie Hiponia Everman.
For the Young Adult level, read With a Star in My Hand: Ruben Dario, Poetry Hero by Margarita Engle.
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
Donate To Charities
There are many charities that work to help children with their education by providing additional resources and opportunities. Here are some charities you can donate to during March:
- Arlington Housing Corporation (AHC Inc.) is a non-profit developer of affordable housing for low-income families. They have a Resident Services program which provides children with After-School literacy activities, Teen Tutoring, College and Career Prep, and Summer Camp.
- Reading Is Fundamental is dedicated to creating a literate America by providing children choice and access to books and engaging families in reading activities to motivate a lifelong passion for reading.
- The Sesame Street Yellow Feather Fund (Sesame Workshop) is the non-profit that created Sesame Street, the TV show made to teach children. Through their impact programs, the Yellow Feather Fund is active in over 150 countries and aims to help children become smarter, stronger, and kinder.
Take some time during Literacy Month to do some reading, either alone or with family and try to improve your literacy skills. Or you could donate to charities to help children around the world improve their skills as well!
Citations
Celebrate National Reading Month This March. America’s Charities. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.charities.org/news/celebrate-national-reading-month-march#:~:text=In%20honor%20of%20Dr.,of%20education%20and%20professional%20development
Celebrate National Reading Month…even if your child can’t read yet. LeapFrog. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.leapfrog.com/en-us/learning-path/articles/march-is-national-reading-month-even-if-you-dont-readyet
The Importance of Reading Month. My Virtual Academy. (2021, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.myvirtualacademy.com/blog/books/importance-reading-month/
National Education Association. (n.d.). Play With Stories. NEA. Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/read-across-america/2021-2022-calendar/march-2022
Tabackman, L., & Mannis, R. (2020, December 3). 5 ways reading benefits your health – and how to make reading a daily habit. Insider. Retrieved from https://www.insider.com/benefits-of-reading
By: Amanda Aber
Written On: 3/2/22
