Everything You Need To Know To Celebrate Read Across America Day In 2022

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Listen closely on March 2nd, and you may hear the collective cracking of books as Read Across America Day gets started. Originally instituted in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), this annual reading event helps kids to get excited about reading and kicks off National Reading Month and a year-long reading program.

Throughout March, public schools, libraries and other clubs host special events meant to inspire budding bookworms. And while taking your child to a community event is a great way to participate, there are also other ways to encourage and celebrate the joys of reading throughout the year.

Here’s what you need to know about this national reading event and how it could be one of the biggest gifts you can give your child.

Read Across America – Beyond Red Fish, Blue Fish

It’s no accident that NEA’s Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel). Until 2019, the NEA partnered with Dr. Seuss Enterprises as a way of capturing kids’ attention. And while Cat in the Hat was a reading rite of passage for many of us, the times and the celebration have evolved.

When a study by the Conscious Kids Library and the University of California, San Diego stirred up some controversy over a lack of diversity and racist undertones in some of the author’s books, the focus was taken off of his works, and a reading list curated with more diverse books is available on the NEA website.

How Reading Helps Your Child

But far more important than the controversy surrounding any one author are the benefits that reading has for your kids. Here are a few reasons why reading to your child and encouraging them to read on their own can lead to a healthier, happier life.

Reading Helps with Cognitive and Language Development

Mom sitting on the floor, reading to her toddler

Even if your learner isn’t old enough to read, they can still benefit when you read a children’s book with them. In fact, a 2013 study showed that babies whose parents read to them score higher in language skills and cognitive development. And the good effects seem to stretch all the way into their teenage years.

So even if your little one doesn’t know their ABCs, it’s never too early to start reading to them or checking out a picture book.

Reading Expands Vocabulary

It comes as no surprise that reading expands a child’s vocabulary. There are many words that we find in books that we simply don’t use in everyday speech. To give you an idea of how that can enrich their vocabulary, it’s estimated that children who are read to in the five years before kindergarten are exposed to roughly 1.4 million more words!

Reading Helps Kids to Develop Empathy

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of reading is that it helps kids to develop empathy and emotional intelligence. When we read, we have to try to understand the emotions of the characters in the book. And that’s a skill that can help young readers to empathize in the real world.

Not only will kids gain a greater understanding of how other people might feel, but reading can also help them to understand their own feelings, which is important for developing emotional intelligence and having healthy social interactions.

Reading Helps Kids Be More Creative

When they read, kids also have to visualize the characters and the settings in the book. This process not only enhances their imagination as they learn about different people and places, but it can also stimulate their creativity when it comes to their own work.

Reading Expands Kids Cultural Boundaries

As any avid bookworm knows, reading pushes our boundaries by exposing us to people, places, cultures and situations that are far from our everyday reality. Not only does it expand kids’ knowledge, but it also gives them a better understanding of cultures that are different from their own.

Reading Helps Kids to Focus and Relax

Young boy happily reading outside, leaning against a tree

When they read, children have to sit still and focus. And the more they read, the better they get at it. And unlike TVs, phones, and video games that can stress their brains out, reading actually helps kids to relax.

Even if your child isn’t old enough to read yet, reading a book aloud to them will help them to develop listening skills and concentration over time.

Reading Helps Kids Do Better in School

Kids that read well not only do better in English but also achieve more in all subjects included in their curriculum.

Ways to Celebrate National Read Across America Day

Not only is reading great for kids, but it’s also a lot of fun! Here are some ways to celebrate on Read Across America Day outside of the school day and inspire your little ones with a love of the written word.

Go to a Reading

Throughout the month of March, libraries, bookstores, book clubs and community centers often host story hours. Check out the events in your area and plan to listen to a read aloud with your child.

Put on a Show

All kids usually have a favorite book. So why not turn the tables and have them read to you? You can even help them to dress up as their favorite character and have them act out the story. It’s a fun way to put their imaginations to work!

Host a Mini Bookclub

Woman reading a story to kids with homemade paper crowns on their head as they celebrate Read Across America Day

Make reading a communal event by inviting your children’s friends over for a book party. Have them bring their favorite story and dress up like a character they love. Book-themed snacks like green eggs and ham will make it even more fun!

Go on a Reading Date

There may be no greater pleasure than settling in with a good book and a cup of tea at your favorite cafe. So why not make a date with your little bookworm? Take them out to your favorite coffee shop, get them a treat and settle down for a little reading time.

It will also give you lots to talk about as you share the things you read.

Go to the Library

Visit your local library and let your child explore the books that pique their interest. Whether it’s animals, cars, sports or food that interests them, there’s sure to be a good book to read on the subject. Be sure to follow your local branch on social media to get information about fun events and story hours.

Reach Out To A School

There’s no question about it— schools are great places to get teaching resources you can use from home. As a bonus, many elementary schools have book fairs or other reading initiatives already in place.

Start a Reading Road Map

Books help us to travel far and wide from the comfort of our couch. To encourage reading all year long, start a Reading Road Map of all the places your kids have read about in books. Every time they read about a new place, they can mark it on their map. It could also be inspiration for future travels!

Read a Book Yourself

As children model our behavior, one of the best ways to encourage them to read is by picking up a book yourself. When they see you reading consistently, they’ll understand just how important it is. Not to mention it’s a great way for you to relax ( if only for a few minutes a day if that’s what you can manage).

And They All Read Happily Ever After

Reading helps kids to expand their vocabulary, increase their cognitive abilities and help them to focus and do better in school. But it also has benefits that extend far beyond their intellectual education.

When children develop a passion for reading, it can open up whole new worlds to them, broaden their perspective, increase their sense of empathy and spark their imagination. And that makes not only for healthier brains but healthier human beings.

By celebrating Read Across America Daywith your child, you can encourage them to develop a lifelong habit that can nourish both their mind and soul. And that’s a very happy beginning.

So this year, on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, grab a book. Remember, you can read books on a bus, you can read books on a chair, you can read books anywhere!

Reading helps your brain to grow with wondrous facts you didn’t know. So grab a book and crack it wide and find a whole new world inside!

You might also be interested in: How To Read Good Books For Free [For All Types Of Bookworms]

Ways to Celebrate Read Across America Day: