Since this week is Dr. Seuss’ birthday, I thought it would be appropriate to start off with one of his quotes:
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” – Dr. Seuss
I love to read! Growing up, I remember my mom taking my sisters and I to the library every week. When I was really little, I’d bring home huge stacks of picture books with simple stories. As I got older, I’d make space in my backpack for 10 novels of many different genres (that was as many as the library would let you check out at a time).
When we got home, I’d snuggle into my favorite corner to read for hours. I’d visit places all over the world, learn about the people of various periods in history, and solve challenging mysteries. I learned new vocabulary, observed challenging interactions between characters, and stretched my imagination as I experienced each new world.
As a result, school became easier for me, my relationships with family and friends were enhanced, and my communication skills and vocabulary were always more advanced than they were expected to be. Now, my taste in books has changed somewhat, and I don’t find as much time to read as I’d like, but the difference that a love of reading has had on my life is incredible.
To gain a love of reading later in life, and thus be able to benefit from reading, it is crucial that parents read to their young children. Why should you read with your kids? Jim Trelease, author of The New York Times bestseller, “The Read-Aloud Handbook”, says that “words are the primary building blocks for learning and there are only two efficient ways to get words into the brain: either through the eye or through the ear....the last 30 years of reading research confirms this simple formula: students who read the most, read the best, achieve the most, and stay in school the longest”.
This March, KUED celebrates 22 years of encouraging reading in Utah, in partnership with schools, libraries, and museums across the state.
KUED recently kicked off its 22nd Reading Marathon which runs from March 1st through the 31st. Children from Pre-K to 6th Grade are encouraged to participate, and read at least 20 minutes a day. Reading logs can also be downloaded or printed from kued.org/reading.
“We encourage parents to spend time reading with their kids, and log their reading minutes for an invitation to the 22nd Annual Super Reader party in April,” says KUED Education Coordinator Elise Peterson. “Our theme this year is STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. To see pictures from previous years, visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/kuedkids.”
“For over 50 years KUED and PBS have been a friendly and trusted face in your home and we hope to build on that relationship with new resources, information, and events for your family that engage, educate, and entertain,” says Peterson.
Find out more at kued.org/reading and visit the KUED Kids Facebookpage, for information about events, programs, and ideas for families.
So, what are you waiting for!?
"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child." – Dr. Seuss