Ideas for Children's Literacy Week

Schools, teachers and administrators and parents, celebrate literacy week nationally in a variety of ways, such as reading books, reading word walls, playing word games and participating in a variety of other activities, which promote the cause of literacy in America. The goal is to eliminate illiteracy among students across the country. Outstanding ideas are available for school staff as well as parents to promote the significance of literacy week.

Loving Literacy Day's theme is a great idea for Children’s Literacy Week. The idea starts off with children selecting a favorite book or character and sharing it with the class in a variety of ways. For example, children may gather in circles and state the phrase, "We love literacy by Dr. Seuss!" or "We love literacy by Mark Twain!" depending on the grade level. For older students, a written essay is an appropriate activity. Students are free to discuss whatever interests them regarding their readings, promoting an appreciation of literacy.

Leaders are Readers is another idea for literacy week. Staff members show their interest in literacy week by signing an author's name as well as the title of their favorite book onto a poster. The intention of the staff is to get students to understand how good leadership is developed by those who love and enjoy reading. In this way, staff members, including teachers, assistance, principals and administration, can help promote literacy.

Teaching children how to predict what a book is about is another literacy idea. The technique is known as text questioning. Students are taught how to ask questions about the content ideas within a book. For small children, the pictures can be used to predict the nature of the book. This activity helps create greater comprehension and focus. For example, because their interest has been inspired by asking questions, students can anticipate the answers to their questions. This anticipation helps them to remember what they have read.

Family Reading Night is another idea for literacy week. This activity requires the participation of the entire family, if possible. Each family member selects a book from the bookstore or local library and spends the night reading to each other. The goal is for parents to teach their children that reading is highly important for success in school and in life.

Read Aloud Day is a literacy week idea that gives children a chance to express themselves audibly before the class. Each student gets a chance to participate in the activity. Children not only gain an understanding and control of their voices, but they also learn to read with accuracy and fluency.