Did you get the teacher's note about sending your child to school dressed as their favorite book character or to send a donation for the Dr. Suess birthday party...if so, then you are fast approaching National Reading Month!
National Reading Month is celebrated across the United States by schools, libraries, and literacy organizations, and is officially sponsored by Reading is Fundamental (RIF). It happens all month long, starting on Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd.
Their vision: A nation of lifelong readers.
Their mission: Reading Is Fundamental works to disrupt the alarming U.S. literacy crisis by inspiring the joy of reading in children, a critical element to driving the frequency, motivation, and engagement needed to create skilled readers. We know that if we build a foundation of joy for children, then development, discovery, and opportunity follow.
Reading Is Fundamental is the nation’s leading United States children’s literacy nonprofit. They operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and are supported by philanthropic funding from foundations such as the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, the Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation, and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, among others that invest in literacy programs and resources.
In addition to foundation support, RIF partners with major corporations and national organizations to expand its reach. For example, campaigns like Rally to Read are supported by partners including Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Penguin Random House, Little Free Library, and National PTA, which help provide books, events, and reading activities for children nationwide (rif.org).
RIF also works with community volunteers, local sponsors, and educational groups to distribute free books and literacy resources in schools, libraries, childcare centers, and community settings. Corporate partners like Amazon have supported RIF’s literacy efforts by donating books and helping get reading resources into the hands of students in schools across the country.
So, get your glue gun ready for that Very Hungry Caterpillar costume or start digging through the dress-up bin for the Harry Potter cape and wand.
This has to be one of the best days at school ever!