November 1 marks National Family Literacy Day. Approximately eight thousand literacy programs will hold readings, workshops, and family activities at libraries and community centers across the country.

Why? Literacy is at the root of a person’s ability to succeed, and the family is at the heart.

According to the NCFL website, “Since 1989, The National Center for Family Literacy has helped more than 1 million families make educational and economic progress by pioneering – and continuously improving – family literacy programs.

Our emphasis is on family literacy for a simple reason – study after study shows that family, home and community are the true drivers of a child’s education. Consider:

• Children’s reading scores improve dramatically when their parents are involved in helping them learn to read.
• Low family income and a mother’s lack of education are the two biggest risk factors that hamper a child’s early learning and development.
• Literacy is essential to success in today’s economy, now more than ever. The family literacy approach harnesses the strength of parent-child bonds to help those who are most at risk of failing economically, emotionally and socially. We build success by strengthening their confidence, increasing their ability and broadening their outlook. The results have an impact on a personal level as well as a national one.”

Resources:

National Center for Family Literacy Events

This site includes examples of how programs have celebrated National Family Literacy Day in their communities.  The site also includes Tips for Parents and a downloadable Special Topic: “Celebrate Literacy” Year-Long Calendar.

ReadWriteThink Calendar November 1^st

ReadWriteThink is a partnership between the International Reading Association, National Council of Teachers of English, and the Verizon Foundation.  This site includes ideas for classroom activities, lesson plans, and text resources.

So, what will YOU do on November 1?