Be an Advocate for Family Reading

by Julie Douglas, Family Reading Director

Julie DouglasIf you are a fan of YouTube, you may have seen the humorous clip making the rounds over the holidays. A three year old pj-clad boy is opening Christmas presents and unwraps a beautiful stack of children’s books. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4Hpz-GI3g )

“Books?” he asks indignantly, “books for Christmas??? Books aren’t toys.” And then, just in case his parents aren’t clear on his feelings about receiving books for Christmas, he adds an emphatic “Poop!”

Fast-forward one year to the 2010 Christmas season when the now four year old boy and his mother make an appearance on The Today Show. Mom insists that the little guy really DOES enjoy books and that he is read to regularly, and likes to go to the library. She accepted all the criticism that her family received about the video with what I thought was remarkable good humor. If I had to make a wager, I would bet that the boy really does love books.

The story reminded me of the importance of being an advocate for books and reading in a child’s life. I’m fairly sure I am known as the “aunt who gives books as presents” in our family, a title that might not always be used in a flattering way. But, as a parent, former teacher, and book lover, I know that if we want a child to be a reader and learner, we have to consistently model and encourage that behavior we wish to instill. Books and stories are meant to be celebrated. When we, as adults, show children that we treasure books, the enthusiasm can be contagious.

Years ago, MHC asked, “What can we do to encourage parents and caregivers to read to their young children?” Our answer: READ from the START and Read First! MHC’s long-running READ from the START program teaches parents how to make books come alive for both the child and the adult. Parents read and discuss children’s books together and discover ways to capture and keep a child’s interest in hearing stories. Armed with a renewed enthusiasm for reading aloud to children AND a set of high quality books, the RFTS participants return home to share their excitement with their children.

In ten Missouri towns, MHC’s Read First! project has helped to create a culture of family reading and storytelling in the community. MHC supports the Read First! communities of Butler County, Cuba, Macon, Marion County, Moberly, Mountain View, Savannah, Springfield, Tarkio, and Washington as they find unique ways to interject books and stories into all kinds of community events. Children in the Read First! towns have had lots of opportunities to experience the magic and fun of books, and to see the important adults in their lives doing the same. From performances by professional storytellers and visits with authors and illustrators, to events where children and their families enjoy hearing a book and doing a related activity together, the Read First! communities are finding ways to keep the message of family reading front and center. Colorful tee-shirts and posters and articles in local newspapers remind parents to read to their children. Free children’s books are given away at a variety of festivals and events. The local public libraries in the Read First! towns are working hard to attract families with babies and toddlers with special story times just for them. Even local businesses are getting in on the fun by adding children’s books and special reading corners to their waiting areas and lobbies. It is clear that reading is valued in these communities!

Of course, you don’t have to live in a Read First! community to be an advocate for family reading. Perhaps a worthy New Year’s resolution would be to help spread the love of reading and storytelling in some small (or large!) way in our own families and communities. Read to the young children in your own life, donate to MHC or other organizations that promote books and reading, look for opportunities to volunteer to read to children or distribute books, become the person in your family who gives books as gifts, or work with a local non-profit in your town to host a READ from the START program for parents of young children. Whatever you decide to do, be assured that no effort is wasted when it comes to helping a child love a book.

Happy New Year!

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