The Superior Express -

Monday, Nov. 1, is the 28th annual National Family Literacy Day. The day was designated in 1994, by a joint resolution of the 103rd Congress of the United States. Celebrated every year since, the event kicks off National Literacy Month.

This year Desire Tobey Sears Chapter NSDAR is joining with libraries and all interested in literacy to promote the event. Area families are encouraged to ReadWriteThink on Monday, Nov. 1st. Then keep reading and writing and thinking each day during the entire month.

Why Literacy Day? The most important determinent of a child's language and literacy is parental involvement. The more parents (grandparents too!) are involved with reading, writing, talking and thinking with children, the stronger their children's language and literacy skills. Success in reading ripples into success in other academic areas.

Trinity Mello, Jewell, reads to her two daughters, Kalysta Mello (3 years-old) and Kalyope Mello (3 months-old). This is one way to observe National Family Literacy Day - read a book. Acting out a fairy tale, reciting poems or nursery rhymes, or writing a letter are just a few of the suggested ways to celebrate literacy.

There are so many different things to do to ReadWriteThink. Recite a poem, write a new poem, retell or act out a fairy tale, write a letter, read a picture book, read the first chapter of a book and keep reading a chapter each day during National Literacy Month.

Involve all members of the family. Each can read a part of the book (or poem), then pass it to the next family member. Each can write a paragraph of a letter to send to a friend or family member.

Use technology – video a child reading a book and send it to a family member. Post a Facebook picture of reading or writing. Have a Zoom reading event or use Skype, Facetime or YouTube. Just get involved with a book!

Visit your local library to find all manner of books to read and share! Jewell County has five public libraries. The Jewell Public Library, the Mankato City Library, the Formoso Public Library, the Burr Oak Community Library and the Randall Public Library. Each has a Facebook Page with information about hours and events. Check them out!