World Read Aloud Day is an international event that is celebrated every year on the first Wednesday of February. The day is aimed at promoting literacy and the importance of reading aloud to children. The event was founded in 2010 by LitWorld, a global organization that works towards creating a world where every child has access to books, stories, and the power of literacy.
The purpose of World Read Aloud Day is to bring attention to the global literacy crisis and the impact it has on children’s lives. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), approximately 775 million adults and children cannot read or write, and two-thirds of them are women. This lack of literacy skills significantly impacts children’s development and prospects.
To celebrate World Read Aloud Day, individuals, organizations, and schools worldwide participate in events such as reading-aloud sessions, book drives, and literacy-based workshops. The goal is to engage people in the joy and power of reading and raise awareness of literacy’s importance.
In recent years, World Read Aloud Day has gained more recognition, with more people participating and organising events. In 2020, the day was celebrated in over 80 countries and involved over 2 million participants. This success has increased support for the day and a growing global recognition of its importance.
THE RELEVANCE OF WORLD READ ALOUD DAY TO THE GHANAIAN CHILD
Read Aloud Day is important for Ghanaian children because it promotes literacy and a love for reading. Reading aloud to children can improve their language skills, increase their vocabulary, and develop their imagination and critical thinking skills. It also helps foster a bond between the child and the adult reader and can provide a sense of comfort and security. Making reading a regular and enjoyable activity can go a long way to instil a lifelong love of learning and help children reach their full potential.
Furthermore, Read Aloud Day is an important event in the development and education of Ghanaian children. It promotes the love of reading and helps to build strong literacy skills at a young age by:
- Developing language skills: Hearing stories read aloud to them helps children to build their vocabulary, improve their listening skills and comprehension, and encourages them to ask questions and engage in conversation.
- Encourages a love of books: Adults can help foster a love of books and a lifelong appreciation for reading by reading aloud to children. This can also help children develop positive attitudes towards reading and learning.
- Improves educational outcomes: Children who are exposed to regular reading and language development activities are more likely to do well in school and achieve academic success.
- Enhances imagination: When children listen to stories, they are transported to new worlds, experience new adventures and have the opportunity to use their imaginations in ways that are not possible through other forms of media.
- Builds relationships: Spending time reading aloud with children is a great way to bond and strengthen relationships. This time together also provides an opportunity for children to feel loved, valued and heard.
In conclusion, Read Aloud Day is an essential event in the lives of Ghanaian children. Promoting reading, language development and a love of books lay the foundation for lifelong learning and success. It is an important event that raises awareness of the global literacy crisis and the impact it has on children’s lives. Through reading aloud and participating in literacy-based events, people around the world can come together to celebrate the power of words and help create a world where every child has access to books and stories.
Kwame’s Bedtime Read Aloud session 2023-01-31 at 9.09.13 PM
Ayeyi’s Bedtime Read Aloud session Video 2023-01-31 at 9.05.51 PM
References:
UNESCO. (n.d.). Literacy. Retrieved from https://en.unesco.org/themes/literacy
World Read Aloud Day. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://worldreadaloudday.org/about/
LitWorld. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://litworld.org/about-us/
Video credit: Ayeyi and Kwame
Ayeyi’s Bedtime story: Kayim’s Quest for Good Fortune by Ama Worla