International Read To Me Day, celebrated every March 19 across the world, is a day that focuses on the importance of reading books to children. Whether it’s for 10 minutes a day, or an hour, reading to children really helps in developing their imagination, their knowledge, and their ability to read even before they join the school. This activity is essential since several countries across the world have a low literacy rate. Children in these nations are also taught to read at a later stage in life, hence, their interest in education is affected. If you want to live in an educated world, spread the message and start reading to your children every day.
History of International Read To Me Day
International Read to Me Day is an occasion that aims to spread a message regarding the importance of reading to children. However, the day also promotes writers, the love for reading, as well as the message of promoting literacy and education across the globe. The day was originally created by the Child Writes Foundation as an attempt to encourage an increase in adult literacy.
Reading to children is important for this goal because according to a report, reading out to children in elementary school can actually lead to an increase in the love for reading. In fact, 40% of frequent readers ages six to 10 were read out loud at home. Literacy’s link to reading can be traced down to history as people became more educated once the written word was formed – the use of speaking out these words followed.
In the 4th Millennium B.C., messages were written using pictures. In fact, those who knew the art of writing and reading in 3500 B.C. would often hold public performances. The love for reading expanded when books originated in Rome in 23 B.C. Unfortunately, books were rare and expensive during this time, and only a select few had access to them. After the development of the printing press in the 15th century, books became accessible to the masses. And thus, with access to reading, came a rise in the literacy rate. The link between literacy and reading also became evident during the Industrial Revolution as the cost of books fell drastically. In the 1920s, literacy rates reached 70% in some parts of the U.S.
International Read To Me Day timeline
The printing of books starts in China.
The world's oldest library is established in Egypt.
The world's first traveling library is launched by British philanthropist George Moore.
Aldo Manuzio launches the Aldine Press in Venice.
International Read To Me Day FAQs
How important is reading to your child?
Reading books to children at a young age is important since it helps stimulate their imagination.
Why is reading good for you?
Reading helps improve focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills.
Why is it important to read?
Reading helps to expand the mind and give us more ideas.
International Read To Me Day Activities
Host a book reading in a library
To celebrate the day in its true spirit, host a book reading day at a library for children. Here, people of all ages can volunteer to read different books to children for a few hours.
Read to a child
Are you a parent or have a young one in your family? Well, this is the day you can get close to them! Pick out your favorite book and read to the children for 20 minutes. Ask them questions later to tickle their imagination.
Spread awareness
Use this day to spread awareness regarding the several benefits of reading to a child. You can start by posting on social media, or host a webinar that explains all the advantages.
5 Interesting Facts About Reading
Words learned by children
Between 4,000 to 12,000 words per year can be learned through reading.
Reducing stress through reading
68% of your stress is reduced if you read six minutes a day.
An avid reader
President Theodore Roosevelt read one book a day.
The country that reads the most
The average Indian reads 10.7 hours per week.
Feeling less lonely
According to 19% of readers, reading decreases feelings of loneliness.
Why We Love International Read To Me Day
It encourages adults to read to children
The day is essential as it encourages adults across the globe to read books to their young ones. This is important since reading out loud to children actually has an impact on the literacy rate.
It spreads education
The day and the message behind it are crucial since it helps spread the idea of educating children from a young age. We love the day because it makes the world smarter and happier!
It strengthens bonds
Imagine reading to your child every day for 20 minutes or so without any distractions from the outside world. This activity will help build your bond with your child and develop trust and love.
International Read To Me Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 19 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | March 19 | Thursday |
| 2027 | March 19 | Friday |
| 2028 | March 19 | Sunday |
| 2029 | March 19 | Monday |
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