Books? I hear you ask. Yes, I did say books because as well as being Valentine's Day, February 14th is also International Book Giving Day which means it is your chance to spread a little literary love.
International Book Giving Day was launched to encourage people to donate books to children to foster a love of reading at a young age. As well as donating books to individual children, people are encouraged to support charities which bring books to children who might not otherwise have books in their lives.
In my opinion reading is one of the best things you can do with a child and starting the reading habit is easy. Just pick a few simple to read, age appropriate books, find a quiet comfortable spot and start turning the pages. Books can fire children's imagination, help them learn new concepts and begin to master reading and writing skills.
Celebrating International Book Giving Day doesn't have to be hard. You could simply buy a new book for a child in your life, whether that be your own child, a grandchild, a niece or nephew or the child of a friend and make a time to read it with them. You might even like to leave a little message in the book explaining why you chose it and what you love about reading.
If your children already have plenty of books why not think about donating some of them to your local playgroup, library, doctor's waiting room or children's charity. Pick books that your children may have grown out of, but are still in good condition and make a donation. If your children are old enough you might like to involve them too and use the opportunity to discuss the importance of reading and how it is cool to give other children the opportunity to read books.
If you would like to make a longer-term contribution then think about financially supporting a charity which provides books to under-privileged children such as Books for Africa or find a local organisation which promotes reading and literacy among children in your neighbourhood and make a donation to them.
Books are a simple gift that can bring hours of joy to children, so I hope you consider getting involved. And remember - it doesn't have to be a special day to open a book, so get reading whenever you can.
How do you spread a love of reading? Do you donate books to others when you have finished reading them?
Liked This? Try These:
International Book Giving Day - Official Website
Opening Chapter: In Which I Discuss My History As a Reader - The Books of My Shelves
