Reading at a young age develops fundamental literacy skills, improves vocabulary and word recognition, enhances cognitive development, and cultivates a lifelong love of books. March is National Reading Month and we have exciting events planned in all of our classrooms. We’ll be reading and reenacting favorite stories, introducing students to new titles, and so much more.

Continue the fun at home by trying some of our favorite literacy based activities below.

1. Host a Book Swap

Invite a few of your child’s friends over for a playdate book swap. Ask each family to bring a book they are finished reading, so the children can trade and experience new stories. Designate a theme for the event to encourage families to bring books of a specific topic, such as superheroes, animals, or springtime.

2. Participate in a Reading Challenge

Set a goal with your child to read a certain number of books this month or pledge to read every night at bedtime. You could even make a list of places you want to read together (i.e., in bed, outside, in the car, at the library). At the end of the month, celebrate your accomplishments.

3. Dress Up as Your Favorite Character

Dressing up as characters is a fun, hands-on way to connect with a book and bring the story to life. Some costumes you can create with materials found around your home include Alice in Wonderland, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Madeline, and Peter Rabbit.

4. Surprise Your Child with a New Book

Get your little one excited about Reading Month by adding a new book to their collection. Buy a book based off your child’s current interests or take them to the store and let them pick out their own.