March 2nd is Read Across America Day – also known as Dr. Seuss’s birthday! It’s a day to encourage early literacy and foster a love of reading in children. And if you’re like my family, we celebrate all week long! To honor one of the most beloved children’s authors in the world and celebrate the importance of reading, here are 5 fun ways to celebrate with your children. Best of all, these activities are FREE!
Visit Your Local Library
We are so lucky to have great library systems right here in Central Ohio, so take advantage! Libraries are a great way to introduce your children to the many genres of books, all while having fun. Most libraries have areas dedicated to kids, including imaginary play areas and beautiful book displays. My younger children love to roam the aisles exploring the colorful book covers and illustrations, while my older school-aged child is learning to navigate shelves by finding books to match her interests and asking the librarians for help when needed. Libraries are also a great resource for parents to find age-appropriate book ideas for children! Here are 5 Libraries We Love to help jump-start your visit!
Stop By Your Neighborhood Little Free Library
This adorable trend is popping up all over, and we just can’t get enough of it! These community-driven boxes are a fun place for your children to give back by contributing some of their own books to the library or an exciting way to find a new book to read by borrowing or exchanging books anonymously with other kids in the community. The greatest part? There’s probably a Little Free Library close to your home and you had no idea! You can find a list of locations on Little Free Library Map. Find one near your neighborhood or get adventurous and explore several locations in areas you haven’t visited before!
Attend Story Time
Story time can be a fun way to get out of the house during the cold winter months! These events are usually filled with interactive elements of movement and music, encourages children to socialize, and the storytellers are always filled with enthusiasm!
Not only can you find a list of story times at your local library, but many Barnes and Noble locations host weekly story times. We are lucky enough in Central Ohio that even our metro parks and retail locations host story time events! Check out our list of Columbus Story Times to plan your next outing! Check out an event here!
Sign Up For Imagination Library
Have you ever heard of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? What began as a philanthropic mission to help provide children in Dolly Parton’s hometown with books has become a worldwide effort through the help of countless partner organizations. The goal is to provide children from birth up to age 5 with high-quality books to read at home before they begin school. Children who participate in the program receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month. The program is free for children and as simple as visiting www.imaginationlibrary.com to check your eligibility and sign up!
Read At Home!
Of course, one of the simplest and perhaps the best way to celebrate Read Across America Day is to read to your children at home. Use this special day to create new and positive reading habits that will facilitate a love for books and reading in your home. Reading to your children helps them succeed intellectually, socially, and provides an excellent bonding experience between you and your children.
I hope you have a wonderful day (or week) celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and use this opportunity to enjoy new experiences and form fun memories with your family!
