Reading Woes: International Literacy Day

Celebrating literacy is so important. Established on October 8, 1966, International Literacy Day brings not only awareness of why it is important but the intentionality to make it an ongoing practice. 


Observed on September 8, 2021, and held annually, literacy needs to be promoted all year round. Literacy skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking can help reduce illiterate rates among people especially children. 


Over 700 million people lack literacy skills (including children). One out of five people lack literacy.


With regular, consistent engagement with literacy-based content, resource, and activities you can strengthen not only your students’ skills, but help to build a love of literacy that is life-long. 


Rather than focusing on the reading woes of international literacy day, we need to highlighted how it can be celebrated.

1. International Literacy Day Benefits


Did you know that there are four benefits of international literacy day. International literacy day raises awareness of the 


importance of literacy. It is a way to improving literate rates. By highlighting this day, it can provide opportunities to build 


literacy skills. Finally, there are several ways to celebrates this magnificent day.

2. International Literacy Day Activities 


There are many literacy activities you can used to engage your students in building literacy skills and combat illiteracy rates. You should celebrate your students literacy accomplishment regularly. Below are some suggestions you can use to spotlight the 

day.

Read Aloud – you can read literature books with different themes and genres so students can find books that interest them. 

 

Storytelling – reading stories to student’s provide you with opportunities to teach them a lesson or give them a better understand of different cultures and traditions. This is also a way to integrate social-emotional learning, character education, and build classroom community as well.

 

Book Fairs – hold a book fair so students can find books that interest them. A book fair gives students and teachers opportunities to build their own collection of literature.

 

Book Scholarship – offer incentives for students by rewarding them with literature of their own or a gift card to purchase a book. This can begin the journey for your students to collect books in a series or find a particular author they love.

School Literacy Nights – plan an after-hours event for students and the school community to focus on the importance of literacy. You can begin with a presentation on a literacy theme, share literacy data, or give tips on what parents can do at home to build literacy. Some literacy night activities can include introducing different literature through read aloud, storytelling, games, crafts, and more.

 

Read-A-Thons – host or set aside time for students to focus on reading many kinds of books during this time. This can be done with your own classroom, with grade level teams, or school wide. You can provide incentives for different reading milestones students reach.

 

Literacy Resources – literacy resources provide students with opportunities to increase, practice, or develop their skills. Resources connected with literature, writing activities on various topics, and other activities that promote listening and speaking such as use of conversation starters can help you build an effective literacy program.

Final Thoughts


There is so much more you can read about International Literacy Day. While the observance of international literacy day is on 


September 8th.  you can celebrate literacy at any time of the year. It is important in promoting strong literacy skills so celebrating


literacy all year round in different ways is a must. These literacy activities can increase and build valuable literacy skills to reduce 


illiteracy rates for your students. 


Tips To Try:


You can celebrate International Literacy Day in a way that is enjoyable, educational, and impactful to your students.

1. Host a Reading Marathon or Read-Aloud Session

  • Read-Aloud Events: Invite guest readers, such as local authors, community leaders, or older students, to read to the class. This can introduce students to new voices and perspectives.
  • Reading Marathon: Organize a day-long reading event where students bring their favorite books and take turns reading aloud. Create cozy reading nooks and provide snacks to make it a special occasion.

2. Engage in Creative Literacy Activities

  • Writing Contests: Hold a short story or poetry writing contest where students can showcase their creativity. Offer small prizes or certificates for participation and exceptional work.
  • Book Swap: Organize a book exchange where students bring in books they’ve finished reading and trade them with classmates. This encourages sharing and introduces students to new titles.

3. Connect with Global Literacy Initiatives

  • Learn About Global Literacy: Teach students about literacy rates and challenges in different parts of the world. Use videos, articles, and interactive maps to make the information engaging.
  • Support Literacy Programs: Partner with organizations that promote literacy, such as by fundraising for international literacy programs or writing letters of encouragement to children in need of educational resources.