September is National Literacy Month!
Here Are 20 Fun Ways to Celebrate with Young Kids
National Literacy Month in September is the perfect time to inspire a love of reading in young children. Whether you’re a parent or grandparent, there are countless ways to make literacy fun and engaging. Here are 20 ideas to help you celebrate with the little ones in your life.
Start a Reading Challenge
Set a goal to read a certain number of books by the end of the month. Create a chart to track progress and reward your child with a small prize or special activity when they reach their goal.
Create a Cozy Reading Nook
Design a special spot in your home dedicated to reading. Add comfy cushions, blankets, and a basket of books to make it inviting.
Visit the Library
Make a trip to your local library to explore new books and participate in storytime sessions or other literacy-themed events.
Host a Book Swap
Invite friends or neighbors over for a book swap. Let the kids exchange books they’ve outgrown for new ones.
Read Aloud Every Day
Dedicate time each day to read aloud to your child. Choose a mix of their favorite stories and new books to keep things exciting.
Create a Family Story
Work together to write and illustrate a family story. This could be a fictional tale or a story about a real-life adventure.
Start a “Word of the Day”
Introduce a new word each day, explain its meaning, and use it in sentences throughout the day.
Have a Book-Themed Movie Night
Watch a movie adaptation of a favorite children’s book and then discuss the differences and similarities between the book and the movie.
Plan a Reading Picnic
Pack a picnic and head to a park or your backyard. Bring along a few books and enjoy reading together outdoors.
Create a Reading Passport
Make a “reading passport” where your child can collect stamps or stickers for each book they read.
Join a Virtual Storytime
Many libraries and bookstores offer virtual storytime sessions. Join one to hear a new story read by a professional storyteller.
Write Letters to Characters
Encourage your child to write a letter to their favorite book character. This is a fun way to engage with the story on a deeper level.
Host a Book-Themed Craft Day
Choose a book and create crafts related to the story. For example, if you read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," make caterpillar and butterfly crafts.
Visit a Bookstore
Spend an afternoon browsing a local bookstore. Let your child pick out a new book to add to their collection.
Create a Story Jar
Fill a jar with prompts or words, and use them to create impromptu stories together.
Organize a Book Drive
Collect gently used books from friends and family and donate them to a local shelter, school, or library.
Cook a Recipe from a Book
Find a children’s book that includes a recipe, like "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," and make the recipe together.
Act Out a Story
Choose a favorite book and act it out with your child. Use props and costumes to make it extra fun.
Start a Family Book Club
Choose a book to read as a family, and discuss it together over dinner or during a special family meeting.
Celebrate with a Literacy-Themed Party
Host a party with a literacy theme. Invite friends, read stories, play word games, and enjoy book-themed snacks.
With these 20 ideas, you can create fun, memorable experiences that will instill a lifelong love of reading in your young children. Whether you choose one activity or try them all, you’re sure to make this September a month filled with the joy of books!
