November contains a wealth of holidays and precious opportunities to spend time together as a family. In fact, Read to Them’s favorite holiday of the year kicked off on November 1: National Family Literacy Month!
Family literacy refers to the way families nurture their children’s relationship with literacy and reading. For instance, family literacy can be practiced by reading a book with your child before bed or by asking questions and holding discussions about the books your child is currently reading. It also involves a caregiver’s reading habits, and how they model these habits for their children.
Caregiver’s, after all, are the first teachers their children will have; family literacy places an emphasis on learning and engaging with literacy outside of the classroom. It has been found that elementary school students spend 900 hours per year in school vs. 7,800 in their home and community.
Literacy plays a vital role in a child’s future and life-long success. Most often, illiteracy in a child can be traced back to their parent’s own experiences with literacy. It all stems back to caregivers being their children’s first teachers: if caregivers don’t feel comfortable interacting with books, they aren’t likely to read to or with their children.
But what if you don’t know where to start?
Look no further! Below, you’ll find six of our favorite titles to read aloud – both during and beyond National Family Literacy Month- and why they make a great read aloud selection. Check them out:
Love That Dog by Sharon Creech
Jack (the protagonist) doesn’t think he can write poetry – because that’s what girls do, not boys. This initial objection, however, is written in the form of a poem, as is every entry that follows. But as Jack’s poetry unit goes on, he finds himself inspired by the work of Walter Dean Myers and decides to write a poem of his own about his dog. Sharon Creech’s short, stunning stanzas beg readers to slow down and appreciate the beauties of poetry.
Why read it aloud? This Read to Them staple is written in verse, which (given the extra white space on the page) may be appealing if you have a reluctant reader in your household. It also presents the opportunity to slow down and appreciate turns of phrase that make up good poetry.
Prepare to meet three unforgettable friends: Lumphy the stuffed buffalo, StingRay the stuffed (you guessed it!) stingray, and Plastic the… well, Plastic is still trying to figure out just what she is. They are all toys who belong to a sweet Little Girl and together, they take part in all sorts of adventures like exploring the basement where they face the terrifying washing machine and hitting the beach.
Why read it aloud? The narrative of Toys Go Out is episodic, meaning that each of the six chapters contains a different scenario with the same characters. If you are reading to a younger child, episodic chapters may keep their attention. Plus, the prose just begs to be read aloud!
Wilbur is the runt of his litter. While he was saved by Fern Zuckerman as a baby, he’s been banished from the house and into the barnyard. Wilbur desperately wants a friend, and now Fern’s father wants to sell Wilbur off – that is, until, something miraculous happens: words, woven into a spider’s web, appear in the doorway of the Zuckerman barn. Some Pig. Followed by Humble and Radiant. Enter Charlotte the spider, who is immediately charmed by Wilbur. The unlikely friendship between this radiant pig and wordsmithing spider is one that has charmed readers for decades.
Why read it aloud? Charlotte’s Web is a classic – both for its story, and its accessibility. It could also present a meaningful opportunity to discuss grief with your child.
The Guardian Test by Christina Soontornvat
Plum leaves her farm home and her beloved grandparents for the Guardian Academy, hoping to fulfill her late mother’s dream. Once there, Plum must learn to trust her friends as she finds the confidence to trust herself. In this first-in-the-series story, Christina Soontornvat brings the lush, tropical Lotus Island to life with its exotic plants and fantastical animals. The manga-style illustrations and brisk pacing will help guide families as they root for Plum and her classmates to find their true Guardian forms.
Why read it aloud? This fast-paced romp is the perfect gateway for young readers with an interest in the Fantasy genre. It is also the first book in a series – meaning your family is just getting started
Simon B. Rhymin’ by Dwayne Reed
Meet Simon Barnes – known by most as the Notorious D.O.G… well, Simon’s rap career is a work in progress. He’s only in the fifth grade, and he’s afraid to use his voice. But when Simon’s new teacher assigns an oral presentation on something that affects their community, Simon sets out to prove that one voice can create huge, positive changes.
Why read it aloud? Simon B. Rhymin’ has a unique element – raps! You and your child, both, will have a blast matching the energy of Simon’s rap verses. You may even mirror Simon by starting off a little anxious and finding your confidence as the novel progresses. You’ve got this!
Flying Lessons, and Other Stories by Ellen Oh
Among the many small wonders of this collaborative work, you’ll find: Kwame Alexander delivers a story in-verse about a boy who just might have magical powers; Jacqueline Woodson spins a tale of friendship against all odds; and Meg Medina uses wet paint to color in one girl’s world with a short story that inspired her Newbery award-winner Merci Suárez Changes Gear. These beloved authors are joined by seven other soaring voices that make this anthology one you won’t want to miss.
Why read it aloud? Like Toys Go Out, Flying Lessons consists of multiple stories. Unlike Toys, these stories are told by a variety of award-winning authors including: Kwame Alexander, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, and Jacqueline Woodson, all of whom have titles on our list. Getting a taste of these author’s – as well as the authors without longer works in our catalog – can serve as a jumping-off-point as you seek your next book.
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We understand that not all families have the same experience with literacy and reading – and that’s okay! For tips on how to start making reading aloud a fun habit enjoyed by all in your home, visit our Family Resources page.
