Take Steps to Support Literacy; 8 ways to inspire children to read

Reading is a foundation for learn­ing, yet a vast gap exists in access to books for low-income neighbor­hoods.

According to the Handbook of Literacy Research, in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio of books per child is just one age-appropriate book for every 300 children. Without books in the home, children lack the opportunity to practice reading skills and are exposed to fewer opportuni­ties to build their vocabularies.

While these limitations can hinder personal performance, multiple stud­ies correlate low literacy rates with social concerns like elevated drop-out rates, reliance on welfare programs and criminal activity.

Literacy is a cause that affects the community as a whole. Learn how you can champion literacy in your community with these tips:

Give Books to Children

The joy of receiving and opening a gift is exciting in its own right, but a book is a gift that keeps giving. You can make a book gift extra special by choosing a topic or theme that has special meaning, such as a place you’d like to visit together or a be­loved character you enjoy incorporat­ing into your make-believe playtime with the child. As a bonus, if it’s age appropriate, read the book together for the first time so it always carries a special memory.

Visit the Library

Libraries can be awe-inspiring places for kids. The wall-to-wall books repre­sent thousands of possibilities. With so many options to choose from, you can introduce children to the delight of discovering different genres, en­chanting topics and favorite authors who keep you coming back for more.

When children have their own library cards, they can practice the grown-up process of checking out and caring for books. What’s more, honoring due dates helps teach responsibility. Marking that date on the calendar is a fun way to build anticipation toward the next visit.

Support Organizations That Promote Literacy

Conducting your business with com­panies that share your commitment to literacy is a way to inspire reading on a larger scale. One example is The UPS Store, which created the Toys for Tots Literacy Program in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Founda­tion to provide disadvantaged chil­dren with direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read an

Create Reading-Inspired Traditions

Children thrive on routines and ritu­als, and incorporating books into special moments can be an especially effective way to establish positive connections with books and the joy of reading. At home, traditions might be as simple as bedtime stories or reading parties where the whole fam­ily dons pajamas early and gathers in a room to read together, whether quietly or out loud. You can also tie reading traditions to special celebra­tions, like reading a favorite story together before heading to bed on the eve of a birthday or holiday.

Participate in Events Supporting Literacy

Show your support by attending and participating in events that show­case the importance of reading. One example is the 133rd Annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. As the literacy sponsor, The UPS Store will have a float bearing the theme, “Rise, Shine & Read,” which is intended to inspire kids to rise up and let them­selves shine through the power of lit­eracy. The whimsical design features a colorful, spectacled rooster sporting a plaid waistcoat and bow tie, stand­ing atop a stack of books and reading to his family of chicks. The parade appearance is the culmination of the annual donation efforts to support the Toys for Tots Literacy Program.

Encourage Kids to Get Hands-On

Reading a book is one way to dem­onstrate literacy, but kids can also develop a love for reading and put their comprehension skills into prac­tice by adapting their favorite stories for playtime. That might mean acting out a different ending for a favorite story or drawing a picture from a scene they remember best. You can also promote literacy by encouraging kids to write songs or their own short stories, which they can illustrate for a finished book to share with others.

Start a Neighborhood Library

Recognizing not all kids have ac­cess to books at home, you can help promote an interest in reading by creating a mini library within your neighborhood. Create a small struc­ture that will protect books from the elements and spread the word that the contents are free for the taking. Encourage users to return books when they’re done so another child can enjoy them and invite neighbors to donate their gently used books to help fill your library.

Model Good Reading Habits for Kids

Children learn from the examples set by trusted grown-ups. Sharing your love of reading with a child demonstrates you value learning and education. You can encourage children to mimic your inter­est in reading by sharing stories about the books you enjoyed most when you were their age and choosing to spend quiet time reading together in place of screen time.

For more tips and information on how you can support literacy, visit the­upsstore.com/literacy. d communicate effectively. You can donate at partici­pating locations or contribute online.