The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

November 6, 2011

Read to Me Day set for Nov. 17

By Sarah Plummer Register-Herald Reporter

One of the most important moments of the day to a child is having parents read to them before bed. Not only can it make them feel safe and loved, it increases their love of books.

While we usually think of reading aloud as an activity for younger students, West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Jorea Marple believes reading can improve children’s reading abilities at any age.

The West Virginia Department of Education invites parents, families, members of the community and teachers to participate in Read to Me Day on Nov. 17.

“We must work diligently to raise everyone’s understanding of the importance of reading for enjoyment each and every day,” Marple said. “One way we can do that is to model that we enjoy and value reading. Read to Me Day is an excellent time for all of us to send a strong message to 280,000 students that it matters whether you are developing the habit and the love for reading.”

Teachers are encouraged to have their students tell the Department of Education what their favorite book is and why. E-mails can be sent to ehjack@access.k12.wv.us. Tweets about what students are reading also can be sent on Twitter at #ReadWV.

Parents can get involved by reading aloud at dinner or before bedtime.

Marple added, “Reading well is one of the most important skills a child needs to learn. When children become good readers in the early grades, they are more likely to perform well in other subjects and all through their school days. It is the key building block to developing skills that lead to college and career success.”

Read to Me Day was created to make reading a priority at home and in schools and is a part of the Read WV campaign.

The state Board of Education has become aware that reading is not a common activity in many homes across West Virginia and is striving to encourage parents to read with their children to increase literacy.

More information on the Read WV campaign can be seen at www.readwv.com.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com

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