#Read5WithUs

Word of the Week

Bibliophile (bib-lee-oh-file): A person who LOVES (and loves to collect) books. It's a fancy word for bookworm. It comes from combining the French words biblio (meaning "book") and phile (meaning "lover").

Bonjour!

If anyone ever calls me a bibliophile, I will take that as a compliment. As you already know, I love books. I've loved them since I was a little girl. I can still remember sitting on my mom or dad's lap, begging them to read me just one more.

I cannot stress enough how important reading is for children. The younger, the better. . .but I'm getting ahead of myself.

Next week, we celebrate a day that is very near and dear to my heart. Tuesday, March 2nd is Read Across America Day! It was first launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA). It places a focus on motivating children and teenagers to read through different events and partnerships. Reading resources are provided that are about everyone, for everyone.

So how did March 2nd get to be selected for this holiday? Hmmm. . .whose birthday was celebrated on March 2nd? Any guesses?

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read with a child!"

The one and only, Dr. Seuss, said those wise words. What better way to celebrate his birthday than by celebrating reading? The entire month of March has been designated National Reading Month. Let the celebrations continue!

I want to go back to something I mentioned earlier. Reading is important at ALL ages. There was an interesting study completed in 2019 about reading called "When Children Are Not Read to at Home". The short summary is that the more a child is read to, the more vocabulary and language they are exposed to. Read on for some astonishing numbers!

It is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO important. Did you figure that out yet?

I'm willing to bet there were some Dr. Seuss books in the mix.

WOW! One million, four hundred eighty-three thousand, three hundred words!

I knew the differences would be big, but not that big!

That's your challenge! Starting next week, honor Read Across America and start reading five books a day! Imagine all of the new words those little ears will hear!

Ciao for now!