Numerous NISD schools have planned book fairs, story times, author visits, and other special activities next week. The theme for this year’s event, which is sponsored nationally by the Children’s Book Council, is “Rise Up Reading!”
“Reading is the cornerstone of education,” said Jana Knezek, Director of Library and Textbook Services. “We want all of our students to excel at reading so that they can become successful adults, but we also want to foster a joy for reading.”
Schools who would like to celebrate Children’s Book Week can visit the Children’s Book Council web site for ideas.
Knezek said she also encourages all parents and caregivers to spend time with their kids this week exploring the exciting world of children’s books. The Children’s Book Council has several suggestions for celebrating the written word at home:
- During dinner, each family member should share their current favorite book by naming the title, author and illustrator, and giving a brief description of the book and why it’s a favorite.
- Go to the library as a family and help each other pick out new books to bring home.
- Work with your child and some friends to develop a play based on a scene from their favorite book. Invite family and friends to view the production. Remember to take pictures.
- Write a story based on some favorite book characters. Work together as a family to develop plot ideas.
- After dinner, instead of watching television, read aloud from a book (or books) to each other.
- Have a party featuring snacks from your kids’ favorite stories, such as Stone Soup or Green Eggs and Ham.
