March 2nd is Read Across America Day in the United States. The initiative that encourages children to read is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’ Birthday since 1998.
Reading is one of the most fundamental skills that children need to learn to be successful in school, and in life. Nonetheless, the statistics on the number of kids who lose interest in reading for fun as they get older are staggering. Those numbers are dropping even more with the appearance of the smart phones, tablets, and social media; and it got even worst after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to theguardian.com, a Scholastic’s survey revealed a sharp decline in reading enjoyment after the age of eight. Sixty-two percent of children between six and eight say they either love or like reading books for fun, but this percentage drops to just 46% for children between the ages of nine to 11, with the figure at 49% for 12-14 year olds, and 46% again for 15-17 year olds. These statistics call upon everyone to read and engage with children to make reading a more fun and interactive experience.
The National Education Association (NEA) has been leading the Read Across America initiative since 1998, and it is our responsibility as parents and educators to celebrate this day and motivate our children to read and make a habit out of it.
The Scholastic’s survey also found that a six to 11-year-old child is more likely to be a frequent reader if they are currently read aloud to at home, if they were also read aloud to five to seven days a week before starting nursery, and if they are less likely to use a computer for fun. Here are a few ways you can help create a reading habit in your children:
There are many fun days to celebrate what we also know as Dr. Seuss’ Day. Here are a few ideas: