World Read Aloud Day
Sharing stories with spoken words, weaving tales that come to life through the voice, and creating a cozy connection between listener and narrative.
People would stand in line for days and pay hundreds of dollars if there were a pill that could do everything for a child that reading aloud does. It expands their interest in books, vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and attention span. Simply put, it’s a free oral vaccine for literacy.
Jim Trelease
It’s a pretty regular part of many people’s childhood experience, being tucked into bed at night while our parents read us a story from our favorite books.
The gentle drone of a parent’s voice reading out these stories filled our heads with imagination, our hearts with comfort, and our souls with a desire to see and experience more.
If you remember this being an essential part of your childhood or even part of your every day, then World Read Aloud Day is for you!
How to Celebrate World Read Aloud Day
Words are all around us, and what better way to celebrate them than by gathering with friends and family and reading aloud! According to Scholastic, over 173 countries actively celebrate World Read Aloud Day!
Post Online About WRAD
The company says that this day calls “attention to the importance of sharing stories by challenging participants to grab a book, find an audience, and read-aloud!”
If you want to celebrate along with LitWorld and Scholastic, post a picture or video of you reading aloud online.
Read Aloud
The best way to celebrate World Read Aloud Day is to do exactly what it says — get a book, and read it aloud. You can do this alone, with your kids, and even with your friends and family.
Think about how much fun it could be to liven up your book club by doing dramatic readings of your favorite passages or most beloved pieces of poetry.
Reading aloud helps build confidence in public speaking, engages the mind, and helps to bring stories to life in a way that only compliments the written world.
Get Students to Read Aloud
If you’re a teacher, consider celebrating the day in your classroom as well, no matter your students’ ages.
Have students pair up in groups and take turns reading aloud, or gather the class around in one group and read your favorite text. You can then discuss the text with your class, or have them discuss it in groups.
Discuss Reading Aloud
Consider also discussing out-loud reading. If you don’t usually spend time reading, take this day to open up your favorite book (storybooks or novels) and read aloud, whether you’re alone or in a group.
You don’t have to wait for World Read Aloud Day to do it either, open up your book and start reading aloud today!
Learn Benefits of Reading Aloud
According to research, reading aloud has many benefits for you and your family! People find an emotional escape in stories, especially when they are read aloud to.
By reading to your child for a few minutes every day, they are more likely to regulate their own emotions and learn how to better express themselves. Children who spend time reading aloud are more likely to understand different people and cultures, have empathy, and deepen their imagination skills.
Students that are read to in the classroom also score higher on comprehension tests as they understand the material deeper and can explain the themes quicker. In a Scholastic survey, 98% of teachers said that reading aloud in class helps students engage in meaningful conversations.
The benefits are not only for young children though. Both teens and adults can find enjoyment in reading aloud. Parents that read to their children are found to have better emotional regulation as well as a stronger bond with their children.
Teens that read aloud gain a better sense of social-emotional intelligence and deepen their understanding of the world around them. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, the benefits of reading aloud are endless!
History of World Read Aloud Day
World Read Aloud Day is heavily supported by LitWorld, an organization dedicated to bringing literacy to the world at large.
This organization is often credited for creating the day! Every year thousands of children and adults struggle with being able to read, and through their efforts, LitWorld is helping to bring the wonder of the written word to these men, women, and children.
LitWorld’s mission is “strengthening kids and communities through the power of stories.” More than fitting for World Read Aloud Day, for both kids and adults alike!
World Read Aloud Day is just one opportunity they have to do that, and in 2018 they made a move that resulted in World Read Aloud Day being even more effective and able to reach people all around the world.
2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Harry Potter series, and they combined Harry Potter Book Night with World Read Aloud Day to help bring the wonder of reading to people everywhere by reading the Harry Potter books aloud at locations all over the world.
Reading Aloud is a way to help stimulate our brains, build bonds with friends and family, and otherwise come together.
World Read Aloud Day FAQs
Did ancient cultures practice a form of reading aloud?
Yes, ancient cultures like the Greeks and Romans often read texts aloud.
Silent reading was rare, as texts were written without punctuation or spacing. Reading aloud helped comprehension and shared stories with larger audiences.
Why is February often associated with literacy events like World Read Aloud Day?
February marks the start of the academic calendar in many countries. It also aligns with celebrations like Black History Month, which often features storytelling and literacy events.
What role do librarians play in World Read Aloud Day?
Librarians host interactive read-aloud sessions, pairing books with props or costumes. Some create scavenger hunts tied to themes in the stories to encourage exploration of the library.
How do indigenous communities celebrate storytelling traditions on this day?
In New Zealand, Māori communities read aloud stories in Te Reo Māori to keep their language alive. Similarly, Native American tribes in the U.S. focus on oral storytelling to share cultural wisdom.
How can workplaces join in the fun?
Some offices celebrate by organizing book exchanges or read-aloud sessions during lunch breaks. Employees read passages from their favorite books, encouraging creativity and camaraderie.
Are there any unusual benefits of reading aloud?
Reading aloud helps improve public speaking skills and boosts empathy. It also strengthens memory, as hearing words reinforces retention more effectively than silent reading.
How does World Read Aloud Day inspire aspiring authors?
The event showcases authors reading their work aloud. Many aspiring writers attend to understand how rhythm and pacing influence a story’s impact when spoken.
Are there famous historical moments linked to reading aloud?
The 1963 March on Washington included public readings of powerful texts, such as Langston Hughes’ poems. These readings underscored the connection between literacy and activism.
What’s the most translated book read aloud during this event?
The Bible is frequently read aloud on World Read Aloud Day. Its translations allow it to reach diverse global audiences, reflecting the universal appeal of storytelling.
How do digital tools change the way people participate?
Virtual read-aloud platforms, like Zoom or Storyvoice, allow families to connect across continents. AI-driven tools also create accessible story options for visually impaired readers.
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