Get READY to READ! National Read a Book Day is September 6th!
The phrase get ready to rumble popped into my head while learning about National Read a Book Day. But, rather than getting ready to rumble, let’s get ready to read! This special day gives us an opportunity to intentionally focus on reading and to engage with a good book.
Originally known as National Book Lovers Day, in 1996, the Library of Congress created the holiday to focus on the benefits of reading. Each year, on September 6th in the United States and other countries around the world, reading is joyfully celebrated. For some, carving out a day for reading may seem a bit “old school.” Yet the research explains that reading for just 6 minutes a day can reduce stress levels by 68%, that applying “bibliotherapy” can boost happiness and well-being, and reading fiction can even make us better people!
For reluctant readers, readers who struggle, or people with disabilities, book apps can make reading more inviting and accessible. Apps now include listening options, closed captioning, lighting adjustments, font accommodations, clickable definitions, the ability to annotate, highlight, take notes, and more! But you don’t have to take our word for it; this article from Lifewire lists the 10 Best Book Reading Apps for 2023.
With September 6th just around the corner, we’ve put together a list of five ideas for celebrating National Read a Book Day with students. Read on to learn more, and enjoy the event!
- Tour your school library.
Set up a tour with your media specialist and ask them to show students where they can locate certain genres of books, how to check books out, and other treasures found at the library. This is a great activity for the first week of school, too!
- Visit and explore your local library.
What a fun field trip! And, sometimes the local library is even within walking distance of the school. If going to the community library isn’t possible, invite a librarian to speak at your school or classroom. Ask them to show students how to apply for a library card, check out a book, and then remind them the library has many resources beyond books! Getting to know your local library (and the folks who work there) will benefit students in the future. (There are opportunities for volunteering at the library too!)
- Start a book club.
A fun way for students to read books they may not typically choose is to organize a book club! One of our favorite book club apps is from Google Play, called Book Clubs, or have students create a book club using a tech tool of their choice.
- Little Free Library.
It seems like Little Free Libraries are everywhere–what a wonderful creation! Ask students to keep an eye out for the LFLs when they are out and about in the community. Depending on the age of your students, create an assignment for them to plan and add a LFL in their area. There are even kits on the Little Free Library website!
- In-person or virtual read-aloud.
One of our favorite local authors (who lives near our Teaching Channel headquarters!), Kate DiCamillo, is rumored to often drop off signed copies of her books in local free little libraries. Well-known titles by the author include Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and Raymie Nightingale. If finding a local author is a challenge, invite an author to join you virtually, or check out Storyline Online for read-alouds from actors!
Get ready to rumble READ and celebrate National Read a Book Day on September 6th!
