17 Ways to Celebrate National Literacy Month

Photo of smiling young guy reading book while his friends students in classroom indoors talking with each other writing something.

It’s always an appropriate time to spotlight the importance of reading and writing skills, and especially during National Literacy Month in September. Below are 17 ways for parents, caregivers and even teachers to inspire and encourage kids to become avid, lifelong readers. Many of these literacy activities are perfect to do as a family.

1. Create a cozy reading nook at home or in the classroom by filling it with soft pillows and blankets. For fun, add decorative lighting. Make space for only one or two kids, or a place where the whole family gathers for comfy reading experiences.

2. Start a family reading challenge. Set a reading goal; for example, two fiction and two nonfiction books within one month (roughly one book each week). Celebrate your family’s accomplishments with a favorite home-cooked or delivered meal.

3. Choose a chapter book that everyone will enjoy, like “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Little Prince” or “Anne of Green Gables.” Read it out loud together and talk about what thoughts and feelings the story inspires.

4. Split into pairs and act out scenes or dialogue from a favorite family novel. Really get into the hearts and minds of the characters by using a variety of voices and gestures.

5. “Travel the world” at your local library. Find a map of the world, close your eyes, and take turns pointing to random countries on the map. Look for nonfiction books about each country, read about it, and discuss what you’ve learned.

6. If you have three or more kids, create a reading buddy system. Have the oldest child read to the second oldest child, and so on down the line. Or do it the other way around: from youngest to oldest. It’s fun to be read to by siblings or friends.

7. Ask the kids to name their favorite movies, then buy or borrow the book versions. Kids might be inspired to read the book if they already love the movie. When they’re done reading the book, discuss which version they liked best and what the author or director could have done differently.

8. Buy or borrow audiobooks and listen to them together when you’re on a long drive or road trip. You might even be able to fit in a chapter or two making shorter trips around town.

9. Ask kids or students to write one or more alternative endings to their favorite book. This is sure to get creative juices flowing. Encourage them to write endings that are surprising, suspenseful or open-ended.

10. Establish a family reading habit in the evening instead of online gaming or texting. Kids (and parents) have a more restful sleep if the last thing they do before bed is read a good book.

11. Make bedtime reading extra fun. Give the kids a flashlight and encourage them to turn off any other lights and read their favorite book using only the flashlight.

12. Encourage kids to read more than books. Subscribe to interesting and educational youth magazines, such as National Geographic Kids, Ranger Rick or Kazoo. Ask them to read recipes out loud to you when helping in the kitchen.

13. Demonstrate your own love of reading. If you normally read before you go to sleep, make a conscious effort to read in front of the kids as it might inspire them to dive into their own books.

14. Have kids draw their own cover to a favorite book. Get colored pencils and markers out and join the fun. Even if you’re not artistic by nature, there’s something deeply satisfying about getting lost in your own drawing.

15. Have your kids or students create a shoebox diorama that brings a scene from their favorite book to life. You’ll need shoeboxes, colored paper, glue, markers and relevant embellishments.

16. Dress up as your favorite literary character and have the kids do so as well. Don’t reveal who you’re supposed to be (but make sure it’s a recognizable character). Guess the name of each character and novel. This makes a great classroom or themed party activity as well.

17. Give the gift of reading to others by donating previously loved books to a local hospital, Little Free Library or Friends of the San Diego Public Library.

Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a university professor and freelance writer.