Did you know there is a day that celebrates the importance of literacy? September 8th marks International Literacy Day, founded by UNESCO. This idea was brought forward at the “World Conference of Ministers of Education on the Eradication of Illiteracy” in Tehran, Iran, in 1965, to create a global movement to end illiteracy.
In 1965, UNESCO declared September 8 International Literacy Day to “remind the international community of the importance of literacy for individuals, communities, and societies, and the need for intensified efforts towards more literate societies.”
What ties International Literacy Day and GIFT CONNECT together?
GIFT CONNECT celebrates this important day because it aligns with our mission to amplify the importance of Birth to Three development. Reading at any age, especially from Birth to Three, is transformative and crucial. Why? By the time a baby reaches his/her third birthday, a baby needs to be spoken, sung, or read upwards of millions of words. It’s this age where 70% to 80% of the baby’s cognitive capacity is set, and largely defines the child’s ability to succeed in all aspects of life. Reading truly has a lifelong impact.
What Does Literacy Look Like in the United States?
While the United States used to be #1 in education, today, it ranks 19th in literacy and 28th in the percentage of 4-year-olds in early childhood education. Furthermore, only one child in three is starting kindergarten with the necessary reading skills.***
Without a doubt, there is a literacy crisis in the United States. The great news is that it’s 100% preventable! This is where GIFT CONNECT steps in.
Today’s society has focused so much on fixing the symptoms instead of the root cause, which in our case is the underinvestment in the developmental resources for children from Birth to Three. GIFT CONNECT aims to prioritize Birth to Three as a crucial policy, enhancing the lives of children and, ultimately, the overall health of our society.
***About two-thirds of children can’t read proficiently by the end of the third grade.
Why is Reading So Important?
It all comes down to brain science. Engaging in language-rich activities, such as reading, helps little ones develop crucial communication skills, patience, empathy, and literacy skills. Even the simple act of holding books helps develop school readiness.
Reading also has these positive effects:
- Improved recognition of sounds and letters
- Broader vocabulary
- Lasting positive association with reading
Tips on Reading to Your Child
Reading doesn’t have to be boring! Plus, reading can be transformed into different literacy activities such as singing, word playing, and games, which can be played anywhere and at any time.
We also have a great collection of Vroom tips to find different and engaging ways to make reading with your little one both fun and effective.
Cheers to International Literacy Day and instilling a life long love of reading!
