Health & Wellness

Celebrate Read Across America Day with 10 Reasons to Ignite Your Passion for Reading

March 2, 2023
celebrating read across america day, a girl reads a book in the sun

Promote literacy and unlock the health benefits that await you through reading.

March 2 is a special day for book lovers all around the US – it is Read Across America Day! This nationwide celebration promotes literacy, encourages a love of reading, and honors the importance of books in our lives. You can join in on the festivities and ignite your passion for reading.

What is Read Across America Day?

Read Across America Day is an annual celebration that encourages children and adults alike to pick up a book and read. This celebration is held on March 2nd and is organized by the National Education Association (NEA) in partnership with various organizations. Read Across America Day is celebrated in schools, libraries, and communities across the country.

Why Reading is Important:

Reading is a fundamental skill that impacts every aspect of our lives. Unfortunately, many children in the US struggle with reading, with only 37% of 4th graders proficient in reading according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Low literacy levels are linked to poverty, unemployment, and even incarceration. However, research also shows that children who are exposed to reading at an early age have higher cognitive abilities, are more successful in school, and have a greater chance of achieving success in their adult lives.

10 FACTS ABOUT READING & YOUR WELLNESS

 

#1 Reading reduces stress levels

According to a study by the University of Sussex, reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%. It can help relax your muscles and slow down your heart rate.

#2 Reading can improve empathy

A study published in the journal Science found that reading literary fiction can improve a person's ability to understand and empathize with others.

#3 Reading can improve vocabulary

The more you read, the more words you are exposed to, which can improve your vocabulary. This is particularly true for children, who can learn up to 1,000 new words a year through reading.

#4 Reading can improve cognitive function

Reading requires concentration, focus, and memory, which can improve cognitive function and help prevent cognitive decline in older adults.

#5 Reading can improve sleep

Reading before bed can help you relax and fall asleep more easily. It can also improve the quality of your sleep.

#6 Reading can improve academic performance

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, children who read for fun perform better in school than those who don't.

#7 Reading can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A study published in the journal Neurology found that reading can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease by up to 50%.

#8 Reading can improve mental health

Reading can be a form of self-care and can improve mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

#9 Reading can improve creativity

Reading can inspire creativity and imagination by exposing readers to new ideas, perspectives, and worlds.

#10 Reading is declining

Unfortunately, the number of people who read for pleasure has been declining in recent years. According to a survey by the National Endowment for the Arts, only 43% of adults in the United States read for pleasure in 2015, down from 56% in 1982.

Building a Healthy Personal Reading Habit

Reading has numerous benefits for your health and wellness, but how do you build a reading habit that sticks? Here are some tips:

  1. Start small: Don’t try to read a whole book in one sitting. Instead, aim to read for 10-15 minutes a day, and gradually increase the amount of time you spend reading.
  2. Make it a routine: Incorporate reading into your daily routine, such as reading before bed or during your lunch break.
  3. Find a genre you enjoy: Reading is more enjoyable when you’re reading something you’re interested in. Experiment with different genres to find what you like.
  4. Set goals: Set a reading goal for yourself, such as reading a certain number of books in a year, and track your progress.
  5. Eliminate distractions: Turn off your phone and other devices, find a quiet space, and eliminate distractions to help you focus on reading.

Remember, reading should be enjoyable and relaxing, not a chore. Find what works for you and stick with it.

As part of Read Across America Day, a young black father and daughter read a book outside

Importance of Reading to Your Kids

Reading to your children has numerous benefits, including improving language development, enhancing cognitive skills, and strengthening the parent-child bond. Studies have shown that children who are read to at least three times a week by a family member are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less than three times a week (National Education Association). Reading to your child for just 20 minutes a day exposes them to 1.8 million words per year (American Academy of Pediatrics). Children who are read to regularly have better communication and language skills, improved attention spans, and are more likely to succeed academically (American Academy of Pediatrics).

Here are some tips for instilling a love of reading in your children:

  1. Start early: Read to your child from a young age, even before they can understand the words. This can help create a positive association with reading.
  2. Make it fun: Choose books that are engaging and entertaining for your child. Use silly voices and make the story come alive to keep their attention.
  3. Let them choose: Let your child choose the books they want to read. This can help them feel empowered and invested in the reading experience.
  4. Make it a routine: Incorporate reading into your daily routine, such as reading before bedtime or after dinner.

Remember, the goal is to make reading an enjoyable experience for your child, and to create a lifelong love of learning and reading.

How to Participate in Read Across America Day:

There are many ways you can participate in Read Across America Day, whether on your own or with your family and friends. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  1. Host a reading event at work: Organize a reading event at your workplace where employees can take a break and read together. This could be a book club, a reading challenge, or a read-aloud session.
  2. Volunteer at a local library or school: Many libraries and schools hold events for Read Across America Day, and they could use your help. Volunteer to read to children, help set up the event, or donate books.
  3. Read with your kids: Read aloud with your children and make it a family activity. Let them pick out their favorite books and take turns reading to each other.
  4. Donate books: There are many organizations that accept book donations, such as libraries, schools, and children’s hospitals. Clean out your bookshelves and donate any gently used books to a good cause.
  5. Create a reading nook: Set up a cozy reading nook in your home or office where you can escape with a good book. Decorate it with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and plenty of books to choose from.

More from FEEA

Subscribe to FEEA’s Newsletter

The information provided in this piece is for your convenience and informational purposes only and not to be construed as professional advice. FEEA and its coauthors and sponsors are not liable for any losses or damages related to actions or failure to act with regard to the content in this piece.

Would you like to reprint this piece in your agency human resource, federal employee association, or union local newsletter? You can do so at no cost by contacting admin@feea.org with your request.

Tags:#family, #health, #reading