Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State College, will celebrate Family Literacy Day at 2 p.m., November 1 with students at Clark Preschool in Springfield.
“Family literacy is the hallmark of a thriving community, and it is Clark State’s mission to support any learning or activity that results in increased educational opportunity and stronger families,” said Blondin.
Blondin will read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. The reading will be an engaging literary experience for the students who will be able to participate in the story with props, complete an activity related to the book, and enjoy a snack.
The United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison counties will provide each student with a copy of the book to take home and read with their families.
Kerry Pedraza, executive director of the United Way of Clark Champaign and Madison Counties, will also read to a MVCDC Head Start classroom. She said one of the most important things an adult can give to a child is his/her time.
“Reading together has so many benefits for everyone involved,” she said. “Reading together creates special bonds, encourages imagination, and builds stronger brains. The United Way of Clark, Champaign & Madison Counties is pleased to partner with Springfield City Schools, Miami Valley Child Development Center and Clark State to promote the importance of Family Literacy to build lifelong lovers of reading.”
The Clark State early childhood and teacher education program will provide the activity for the children.
“Clark State's Early Childhood and Teacher Education students learn about the importance of early literacy which includes reading, writing and speaking,” said Dr. Bridget Ingram, professor for the early childhood education and teaching program at Clark State. “Our students are encouraged to share that knowledge throughout the community with the belief that each one can teach one.”
Ingram said research suggests a strong link between a child's vocabulary prior to entering kindergarten and future academic success.
“Regular reading helps build that vocabulary,” she said.
Families across the country come together to celebrate National Family Literacy Day on November 1. National Family Literacy Day serves as a platform to appreciate the empowerment effort of literacy programs.
The annual event, first observed in 1994, is celebrated on November 1, although several related activities are held during the month. National Family Literacy Day aims to give families the freedom to encourage the love for literacy in their homes.
This celebration not only highlights the power and joys of reading, but it can improve creativity and widen one’s perspective on life. Additionally, it aims to bring families even closer as they laugh and learn together.