Why is there a national month for Family Literacy or a national day for Family Literacy?  Simple – the most important determinant of a child’s language and literacy is parental involvement.  The more parents (grandparents and siblings 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.

Because of the importance of early involvement of parents and family talking, reading, writing and thinking with children, the Desire Tobey Sears Chapter NSDAR joins with libraries and literacy organizations to promote National Family Literacy Day and National Family Literacy Month.

Tuesday, Nov. 1, is the 28th annual Family Literacy Day. The day was designated in 1994 by a joint resolution of the 103rd Congress of the United States. It has been celebrated every year since, and kicks off National Literacy Month.

Families and caregivers need to bear in mind a child needs to have 1,000 books – yes 1,000 books – read to them to be prepared for kindergarten. Do not despair – books can become favorites and be reread multiple times by multiple readers.  Readers can read to more than one child. Siblings can practice their reading by reading to younger siblings or friends.

Remember, one book a day for five years is 1,825 books. Well over the needed one thousand books.

Libraries are a wonderful place to find those books for children to read and for parents, siblings and grandparents to share with children. The Superior Public Library is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., then on Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visit your public library, check out a book and join Desire Tobey Sears Chapter NSDAR in celebrating National Family Literacy Day on Nov. 1. Keep on reading during Family Literacy Month.