November is National Family Literacy Month, a time to focus on the vital role that families play in fostering literacy at home. According to the Bright Futures Literacy Statistics, Alabama has a literacy rate of 76.1%, ranking it as the eighth lowest state in the nation. While this statistic might not reflect the dedication of parents, it’s important to recognize that the foundation of learning begins at home. As our scholars—because that’s what they are—attend school, learn, and play, it’s also our responsibility as parents to reinforce what they learn in the classroom. We also must take the lead in educating them in spaces beyond the traditional school setting. This is why the month of November is so significant.
The Importance of Family Literacy
Family literacy is a powerful tool for nurturing a child’s educational development. When families read, write, and engage in learning activities together, they create an environment where education is valued and supported. Research consistently shows that children who are exposed to literacy-rich environments at home are more likely to succeed academically, develop strong language skills, and build the confidence needed to excel in school and beyond. Let’s face it, reading is the foundation for most things we do.
Let’s Celebrate!
National Family Literacy Month is an excellent opportunity for families to explore new ways to engage with literacy together. Here are some ideas for celebrating and making the most of this important month:
1. Read Together Daily.
Set aside time each day for family reading. Whether it’s before bedtime, after dinner, or during a quiet afternoon, reading together helps strengthen bonds and increase literacy and comprehension.
2. Visit Your Local Library.
Make trips to local libraries a regular family outing. Libraries offer a wealth of resources, including books, educational programs, and family events. There are two libraries local to Hueytown–Hueytown Public Library and Bessemer Public Library. Both offer a myriad of literacy programming to residents in the community.
3. Make Literacy Fun!
Games are fun! Turning the recognition of words into a game will create a fun sense of competition and encourage letter and word recognition that will be beneficial for little scholars’ academic progress.
4. Build a Reading Library.
Accessibility can be a large problem for young readers. Finding books at thrift stores, garage sales, and even on the discount racks in some of our favorite department stores is an affordable way to build a reading library at home.
National Family Literacy Month is a celebration of the power of reading and learning together as a family. By dedicating time to literacy activities at home, we can empower our scholars to succeed academically and in life. This November, let’s embrace the opportunity to make literacy a central part of our family routines and create a legacy of learning that will benefit generations to come.
