Reading for the Record

Today, October 7, is the official "Read for the Record" day across America. We've participated in this a few years now through our local library's story times. And if it weren't for our enthusiastic librarians, I'd have no clue about this neat national reading effort.

I'm not sure what inherent value there is in lots of people reading for a set amount of time on a particular day. I'm fairly certain masses of readers will not rise up and plow forth furrows of literacy just because there's a nation-wide Today-show-endorsed day set aside for reading.

BUT I do like the fact that this online organization wegivebooks.org gave away thousands of free books in conjunction with this reading record day. And with a website url like "wegivebooks.org" I'm going to be keeping a watchful eye on it so I can get ME some free books whenever the opportunity arises.

Seems like a great little site though I always guffaw heartily inside when I read a stat like this one below (this blurb was taken directly from the wegivebooks website - bold emphasis in the last sentence mine).

Did You Know?

Children Without Literacy Skills Face Dire Consequences

According to the Pearson Foundation Early Childhood Education Perception Poll, ninety-five percent of Americans consider early childhood literacy an important problem, but they do not know that reading to children between the ages of 3 to 5 has long-term benefits for a child's academic achievement and life-long success.

I'm speechless. Ok, not really speechless because I have LOADS of words to spout on this matter. But I am taken aback by the wording found here.

How dumb do you think we ARE? Are you telling me folks can't figure out that reading to kids obliterates early literacy problems? Or are you telling me that American citizens are just too lazy, busy or uninvolved in their child's education that they aren't reading to their kids?

You mean watching more Dora dvds won't help my kid read? (Sorry, Dora. You're great just not allowed in my house since you creep me out with your mesmerizing eyes and hyper-excited intonation.)

So, read for the record! If you want to. Anyone else out there participating? I pledged me and C & C because barring a natural disaster we'll be reading something today. Reading together happens in our house every day of the week.

What I need to buck-up on is my own personal reading. I used to devour Dickens and Lewis like they were chunks of sharply aged cheddar but now I'm lucky if I skim a Parents mag article in the bathroom. I miss that getting-caught-up-in-a-good-story feeling.

How 'bout you? How much reading goes on in your house?

Summer Reading Program

I have fond memories of participating in and volunteering for my library's annual summer reading program. What a blast! As a kid I loved reading and it was especially thrilling for me to chart my progress and earn prizes. Since I never succeeded at sports, it was neat for me to excel in my own area.

Now both Chloe and Clive are enrolled in our library's reading programs even though neither of them can actually read. :) Funny, eh? They should title it a "Summer Listening Program" for preschool aged kiddos.

It's been especially fun to see Clive's interest in books grow. He's always been more into busy active playing but now that I've gotten books that pique his interest (i.e. trucks, machines, baby faces, farm animals, touch and feel books) he's constantly bringing me books and signing "please" for me to read to him.

And Chloe's filling in her reading chart fast! Since we were away on vacation we had to do some extra reading this week to catch up. We read for an hour and a half the other day! Not all in one sitting thankfully. I think I deserve a prize for all that reading out loud.

My only complaint with the summer program is regarding the prizes. I know our library works hard to get local businesses to donate free stuff and coupons but I'm slightly disappointed. I had hoped the prizes would be focused on books and reading. Instead Chloe's netted coupons for several free ice cream cones and McD's happy meals. Yuck. While I'm all for an occassional ice cream cone I don't like the message sent about rewards and motivation. How hard would it be to give away books, kids' magazines, school supplies, learning-related toys or activity books?

Do you and your kiddos participate in any summer reading programs? What are your library's prizes like?