March is National Reading Month and on March 2, 2024, Evenflo will celebrate Read Across America Day.
What is Read Across America? We’re so glad you asked! “Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.
The titles and resources featured by NEA’s Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them. Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are engaged readers,” (nea.org).
Reading is an integral part of your little one’s development. Here are a few benefits of reading with them at an early age:
- It can help to develop children’s language skills and expand their vocabulary.
- It can stimulate your kiddo’s imagination and creativity.
- It can help children develop empathy and emotional intelligence through exposure to different characters and situations.
- It can be a great way to bond with your kids and spend time together.
- It can be a relaxing activity for your kiddos before bedtime.
- It can help children learn about different cultures, people and places around the world.
We asked our own Evenflo family to name some of their favorite books to read with the little ones in their life. Here are a few of their suggestions:
“Good Night Boston, The Giving Tree and ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” - Tara S.
“Llama Llama Red Pajama is my son’s current favorite. I also loved Peter Rabbit when I was younger.” - Caitlyn S.
“10 Minutes till Bedtime is the cutest book EVER! We give it to our friends’ little ones any time there’s the slightest excuse. Also, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” - Brook L.
“My favorite book as a kid was Where the Wild Things Are.” - Luis D.
“Stellaluna. It’s about a little fruit bat who learns how to hang upside down with all the other bats after being adopted by a nest of birds.” - Martha T.
“Anything by Shel Silverstein! Miss Rumphius, Four Valentines in a Rainstorm, The Relatives Came and Big Red Barn.” - Dante S.
“Harold and the Purple Crayon was my favorite when I was little.” - Aaron W.
“I loved the Magic Tree House series growing up. I would get so excited for the new ones to come out.” - Hannah D.
“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the Elephant and Piggie books, Madeline, Clifford the Big Red Dog and Dragons Love Tacos.” - Amanda P.
“Buenas Noches Luna, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, How are you? Como Estas? and Don’t Eat Me Chupacabra! I just got these books for my niece — it’s my excuse to go visit her and read!” - Vanessa C.
“Goodnight Moon, Stellaluna, The Magic School Bus books and The Very Hungry Caterpillar” - Eric P.
“Dragons Love Tacos and The Book with No Pictures” - Amy M.
Whether your little one is off to reading chapter books on their own, or still looks forward to reading picture books with you every night before bed, starting at an early age can be beneficial for their overall development. Join us in celebrating Read Across America Day on March 2, 2024.