{"id":33488,"date":"2022-03-25T21:50:51","date_gmt":"2022-03-26T01:50:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nstem.org\/staging\/?p=33488"},"modified":"2022-03-25T22:08:54","modified_gmt":"2022-03-26T02:08:54","slug":"id-you-know-march-is-literacy-month-heres-what-you-can-do-to-participate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nstem.org\/staging\/2022\/03\/id-you-know-march-is-literacy-month-heres-what-you-can-do-to-participate\/","title":{"rendered":"March: Literacy Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

I hope that everyone wished Dr. Seuss a happy birthday on March 2nd! In honor of the legendary children\u2019s author, the National Education Association assigned March 2nd to be \u201cRead Across America\u201d Day. This special day kicks off Literacy Month which encourages Americans to read every day of March!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Image credit<\/a><\/p>\n

Why Is Literacy Month Important?<\/b><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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!<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, Literacy Month is important in encouraging people to improve their mental health, confidence, and their aspirations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Things To Do During Literacy Month<\/b><\/p>\n

Read Books<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Reading is not only essential for education and development, but it is also fun! Here are a list of books recommended by \u201cRead Across America\u201d to check out during March:<\/span><\/p>\n