With World Read Aloud Day less than 24 hours away, millions of communities near and far are preparing for an incredible day of celebration!
At LitWorld, we understand the incredible importance of reading aloud and the profound impact it has on development; that is what fuels our work to spread the joys of storytelling and literacy in communities across the world. Joining us in that mission is our friends at Worldreader, a global nonprofit that brings digital reading to underserved communities where paper books are scarce. Read on to learn more about Worldreader and why World Read Aloud Day is so important to their mission and their work!
According to our friends at Worldreader:
“Reading aloud to a child has a vital impact on their future. In the earliest years of a child’s life, the brain forms new connections at an astonishing rate. This gives shape to the child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. LitWorld’s #WorldReadAloudDay on February 5th, 2020 draws crucial attention to the importance of reading aloud to children.”
“Sadly, millions of children are not able to enjoy read-alouds due to challenges that parents and caregivers around the world face, making the daily habit of reading to their children impossible. One of the biggest barriers is a lack of access to reading materials.”
“That is why Worldreader is bringing digital reading to underserved families, working with parents, caregivers, and schools to normalize a culture of reading and storytelling.”
“Affordable technologies provide an unprecedented opportunity to scale reading aloud. Simple devices, such as a mobile phone, provide unique opportunities to reach children in ways previously not explored. One example of this is Ms. Sapna, an Anganwadi trainer, who talks about how digital books have enabled a reading culture in her classroom.”
“This World Read Aloud Day, thousands of parents and caregivers across India and Jordan will be reading digital books with their children thanks to LitWorld and Worldreader. Together, we can stand up for the importance of reading aloud, sharing stories, and the idea of literacy as a human right for all - on World Read Aloud Day and beyond.”
To learn more about Worldreader’s work visit www.worldreader.org. We encourage you to join us this #WorldReadAloudDay, February 5, to celebrate the power of reading aloud!