Much of life’s success is linked to reading and literacy, which is why schools and parents strive mightily to instill strong reading skills in children.
In spite of all efforts, it can sometimes be a challenge to help children develop a love of reading. Like most skills, reading is a learned behavior that is strengthened with practice, so it makes sense that the earlier and more often parents expose their children to books and reading, the greater the likelihood those children will learn that reading is fun and pleasurable.
Parents looking for opportunities to encourage literacy and surround their children with books should mark their calendars for two literacy events planned this month and next. On Sat., Feb. 18, the sixth annual African American Read-In will celebrate reading with entertainment, food and students read-alouds. Importantly, the free Read-In will feature distribution of children’s books to all families who attend. The Read-In is set for 11:30 a.m., to 1:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 18, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 1819 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
The event is jointly sponsored by Cornerstone Community Development Corporation and Dallas ISD’s African American Success Initiative. Free bus transportation to the event is available from all District 9 schools and campuses affiliated with the African American Success Initiative. Parents can call (972) 925-8817 for additional information.
A few weeks later, on March 2, schools across Dallas ISD will honor the works of the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, fondly known as Dr. Seuss with storytelling, music and arts and crafts activities. Schools are looking for community volunteers to read to students during their #DallasISDDrSeuss Day Celebrations. Fans of the rhyming master can register at dallasisd.org/drseussday to assist with the celebrations.
Finally, on Sat., March 4, Dallas ISD’s Reading and Language Arts Dept. will sponsor Read for Me, a Dallas Reads literacy event featuring interactive activities for all grade levels. Read for Me will be held at W.H. Adamson High School as the culmination of the Dallas Reads literacy campaign and is free and open to the community. For more information, contact Dallasisd.org/ReadforMe.
