One of our favorite days of the year is here. March 2 is Read Across America Day, which begins a month long celebration of reading! It’s a time to recognize the ways books connect us—across cultures and generations—to deeper understandings of our world, ourselves, and each other.
In honor of Read Across America Day and National Reading Month, we’re sharing a few activity ideas inspired by some of our most-loved children’s products to help you engage the little learners in your life.
Make Time for Routine Read Alouds
Reading books aloud together for just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference for kids at any age. In fact, research by the US Department of Education shows that it is the single most important thing you can do to help a child develop into a lifelong reader. Even before being able to read the words themselves, hearing stories helps a child build vocabulary, improve listening skills, and increase empathy—all while strengthening their bond with the person they’re sharing the experience with.
There are so many wonderful books to support you in creating a positive association with read aloud time. Encourage a sense of comfort and connection with a picture book like You Belong Here. Spark curiosity about natural wonders with Tiny, Perfect Things. Or fill bedtime with lots of giggles and good memories with the Tickle Monster Laughter Kit. Whatever books you choose, you’ll be helping a child develop important skills to prepare for school and beyond.
Let Children Guide the Storytelling
Encountering new and challenging words is a great way for kids to discover a sense of confidence. Our Once Upon a Time… storytelling kit allows children to build that healthy self-esteem while learning about one of their favorite subjects: themselves! The kit comes with 20 story-building cards, each with questions children can read to their parents and caregivers to learn more about their own origin story. With prompts like “Tell me about a time when I helped someone” and “Tell me about a time when I was brave,” children become the hero of their own story.
Have Book-Centered Family Discussions
Stories are an invitation to ask new questions. They let children stand in the shoes of storybook characters, experience the world from a different vantage point, and discover ideas for their own lives.
We’ve put together discussion guides and activities to help you draw out the lessons from some of our most popular books. Whether you’re exploring the power of problem solving or developing a growth mindset, these exercises and prompts will spark meaningful conversations for you and a child to consider new possibilities together.
- What Do You Do With an Idea? Study Guide
Encourage children to consider how their big and exciting ideas might be able to make a difference in the world. - What Do You Do With a Problem? Study Guide
Help kids work through how to tackle their problems so that they can learn and grow from them. - What Do You Do With a Chance? Study Guide
Support children in taking chances and not holding back—even if they feel scared to make a mistake—because taking chances can lead to amazing new experiences. - Maybe Study Guide
Empower kids to believe in their possibilities and contribute their unique gifts to the world in ways only they can.
- Trying Study Guide
Teach children that it’s okay to fail when they try something, especially something they’re new at.
--
We hope March is filled with opportunities for you to explore the wonders of reading with a child in your life!
Share