New York, New York: On March 4th, global literacy non-profit LitWorld presents World Read Aloud Day, an international advocacy day that brings equal access to quality literacy learning for children. LitWorld is joined by Scholastic, Skype in the Classroom, 2015 Newbery Medal Winner Kwame Alexander, and a coalition of participating non-profit organizations, corporations and individuals reaching over one million people worldwide.
"Reading is a basic human right that belongs to all people. The mission of LitWorld is to empower children to reach their full potential," says Pam Allyn, Executive Director of LitWorld. "At LitWorld, we truly believe that access is the currency for change around the world. Each and every day, literacy gives children access to a world of information, inspiration and hope." Today one in ten people around the world cannot read or write and 57 million children never have the chance to go to school.
The 2015 Kids & Family Reading Report published by Scholastic found that 91% of parents read aloud to their children before age 6, primarily to cultivate language development and a love of reading. The report also found that 83% of children enjoy reading aloud at home as a fun, special activity to do with parents. Yet nearly one in four parents stop reading aloud to children by the age of 9. Reading aloud to children every day is proven to put them almost a year ahead of children who do not receive daily read alouds regardless of parental income, education level or cultural background.
On March 4th, LitWorld and Scholastic will engage parents and teachers online, hosting a 10am EST Twitter chat with Pam Allyn and Kwame Alexander under the Scholastic handle and an 11am EST PBS NewsHour panel discussion on Facebook. Joining the panel will be Pam Allyn, Scholastic parenting expert Maggie McGuire, and Dr. Perri Klass of Reach Out and Read.
In all 50 states and over 85 countries, communities will participate in World Read Aloud Day with in-person events and with virtual connections using Skype in the Classroom. Teachers worldwide have scheduled Skype connections across 6 continents with authors and classrooms in other countries. LitWorld’s worldwide coalition of participating non-profit organizations, corporations and individuals will hold events to educate whole communities about the importance of reading aloud and investing in children’s education.
LitWorld encourages people everywhere to participate in World Read Aloud Day. Find free resources at litworld.org/wrad. Join the social media movement by connecting with LitWorld on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
