Read Aloud to a Child Week, October 19-25, 2014

From Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction

Senate Joint Resolution 409 (2001) designated the fourth week in October as “Read Aloud to a Child Week.” In recognition of this, the Department of Education, in collaboration with Read To Them, a Virginia nonprofit family literacy organization, encourages all parents, teachers, and caregivers to join in celebrating Read Aloud to a Child Week, October 19-25, 2014.

The Resolution states, “Reading, the foundation of literacy, enables an individual to employ critical thinking and problem-solving skills proficiently to obtain employment and function in society, pursue personal goals, and develop his knowledge and potential.” It further states, “…children who are read aloud to by loving and caring parents, relatives, and other adults are more likely to have higher reading skills, become productive members of their community, less likely to drop out of school and create disciplinary problems, and experience greater school success.”

The Read To Them Web site can be accessed at http://www.readtothem.org. On this Web site, you can find pledge sheets, teacher/parent letters, and tips for celebrating Read Aloud to a Child Week.