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National Reading Month – March 2025

National Reading Month is celebrated in March to honor Dr. Suess’s birthday. In this month people, especially children, read a lot more in celebration and although some people may find the increased emphasis on reading to be boring, the increase in reading during this month has significant benefits that will continue to pay off in the future. Reading is one of the best habits to develop; it strengthens the mental muscles, helps to improve comprehension and analytical abilities, and increases imagination and boosts memory.

History of National Reading Month

March was designated as National Reading Month to celebrate Dr. Suess. He was born on March 2, 1904. Interestingly enough, Dr. Suess was not a doctor at all, he was a writer and an illustrator of very popular children’s books including “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. He also wrote several books for beginner readers of which “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” (published in 1960) was the most notable one. He received a Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for his contribution to the education of America’s children and their parents.

Today we might take reading for granted but it has a very long history and there was a time when only a few people knew how to read. The first written communication did not happen until 3500 B.C., and the first books did not appear until around 23 B.C. in Rome. Around this time, books were also developed in some Asian countries and the Middle East. Before the printing press was introduced in the 15th century, books were quite expensive and rare but as printed books gained popularity, Literacy rates began to rise. In 1892, the first book covers appeared and in the 19th century, publishers started printing books with hardbacks.

Nowadays, even though almost everyone can read, people hardly read and, unfortunately, we are losing our reading culture as a society. That is why we all need this National Reading Month which is a whole month to help us revive our reading habits.

National Reading Month timeline

The book titled “The Epic Gilgamesh” is the first book to ever be written.

Anne Hutchinson forms a women's book club to discuss weekly sermons

The first book covers appear and during this time, books with book covers cost a penny in America and Britain.

National Reading Month is celebrated for the first time in March.

National Reading Month FAQ s

What is the importance of national reading month.

National Reading Month is important in our society right now because it will help the youth to cultivate a habit of reading. It also reminds us of Dr. Suess.

What is the real importance of reading

Reading is a good mental exercise. It keeps the mind sharp, young, and healthy.

Why do we celebrate National Reading Month

National Reading Month is celebrated not just to promote the love for reading but also to develop communication and learning.

National Reading Month Activities

Read a book.

It is National Reading Month after all. So what better way to celebrate than to get out your favorite books to read?

Start a book club

The best way to make your love for reading permanent even after the National Reading Month is over is to start a book club. Your group will always be there to motivate you to read.

Create awareness

You would be surprised that not everyone knows about this special month. By spreading the word, you’re creating awareness, thereby, creating more readers.

5 Facts About Reading That Will Blow Your Mind

Reading often makes you kinder.

Studies have shown that people who read more fictional books are more likely to be kinder to others than people who don’t.

Reading fast helps your eyes

Reading a book fast will help to strengthen your vision.

It reduces stress

A good book can be a great stress reliever if you allow yourself to get lost in the book.

It improves your vocabulary

Reading good books often will help to improve your vocabulary as you would be coming across new words.

Your creativity is increased

Consistent reading will help to increase your imagination, which will stimulate your brain to develop new ideas and make you more creative.

Why We Love National Reading Month

It reminds us of dr. suess.

Dr. Suess was a famous author, illustrator, and animator of a lot of popular children’s books. He contributed greatly to the education of America’s children with the books he wrote and he even received an award for it.

We love reading

We love to read. Reading comes with a lot of numerous benefits so what better way to celebrate our favorite hobby than to dedicate a whole month to it.

It helps to cultivate a good reading habit throughout the year

Consistently reading for a whole month will help us to develop a habit that will last throughout the year. We can agree that reading is a good habit to develop.

National Reading Month dates

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March into Reading: Celebrating National Reading Month

Yay, it’s National Reading Month! March may be synonymous with the blossoming of spring, but here at Once Upon a Book Club, we love it because it's National Reading Month. Not that we have ever needed an excuse!

It's time to unite over our love of reading and share the joy of all things bookish. This is the month when bibliophiles and book lovers can get their groove on. We can’t wait to share our guide to making the most of National Reading Month—it’s time to bring out the books and have a whole lot of fun!

The Significance of National Reading Month

National Reading Month is a wonderful initiative that encourages reading with the goal of improving literacy skills among children and adults alike. Imagine how difficult it is to navigate our world if you can’t read!

But National Reading Month isn’t just about improving literacy skills; it's about fostering that all-important love for reading, and you are bound to find lots of local events at schools and community centers in your neighborhood! 

We kick off National Reading Month with the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day, which is celebrated on Dr. Seuss's birthday—make sure to read our dedicated blog to creating a March 2 nd   like no other.

So get ready to spend a bookish month with Once Upon a Book Club. Remember, the simple act of reading allows you to explore new worlds, meet interesting characters, and gain wonderful experiences all from the comfort of your favorite armchair or coffee shop!

Let’s make this year’s National Reading Month one to remember with our fun and exciting bookeriffic ideas!

Reading Challenges

Reading challenges are always fun, and one of the best ways to celebrate National Reading Month is by setting personal and family reading goals. Your challenges can range from the number of books read to exploring new genres or authors—it is the perfect time to diversify your reading list. Challenge yourself, your friends, or your book club to read books by authors from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

When it comes to family challenges, why not challenge another family so that each member of your family’s efforts contributes to a grand total? Family reading challenges are the perfect way to strengthen those bonds, create new memories, and instill your love for reading.

If you’re looking for inspiration, why not check out our 2024 Reading Challenge or download our special OUABC Reading Journal !

Making Bedtime Stories Special Again!

Nothing quite says I love you like a bedtime story—and it doesn’t matter how old you are, we all like to be read to. We have a wonderful collection of book boxes that are guaranteed to bring your story to life, and our bookish products will add that little bit of magic to bedtime reading.

Adding a sprinkle of fairy lights or one of our book-inspired lights always creates just the right atmosphere. Choose between our Romantasy Box Moon Light and our You May Say I’m a Dreamer book light — either one is bound to add the perfect touch!

Share Your Love of Books with Others

This is the ideal month to give back to your community by donating books to local schools, libraries, or charities. Sharing your favorite reads is a great way to make space for all those new novels that will land at your door each month, but it also brings the joy of reading to others who may not have easy access to books.

Make sure to read our blog on reselling and donating for extra tips!

Start a Book Club

Starting a book club is always a great idea and if there ever was a month to start one, it just has to be March. The wonderful thing about a book club is that it will continue to inspire and grow your love for all things literary, month after month for years to come!

And if starting one is daunting, don’t worry, we have got you covered with blogs like  Building Bonds Through Books: Your Ultimate Guide to Starting A Successful Book Club or The Role of a Book Club Leader: Tips for Effective Facilitation.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we have a wonderful variety of carefully curated book boxes that are the perfect way to kick off your book club. As we say, we do the hard work, so you don’t have to!

We have something for everyone, from adults to young adults and middle grade readers, and with our four monthly subscription options, finding the perfect solution has never been easier. Choose from our month-to-month or our 3, 6, or 12-month book subscription plans. A Once Upon a Book Club subscription is a gift everyone deserves.

Incorporate Reading into Daily Routines

Reading every day is the best way to celebrate the spirit of National Reading Month and making reading a part of your daily routine is easier than you think—it can be as simple as reading a chapter before bed, listening to an audiobook during your lunch break or daily commute, or nodding off to a book at the end of a hard day! 

Participate in Local Library Events

Many libraries will be hosting special events and activities during National Reading Month. These are the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading together with friends, family, and your local community.

Keep an eye out for author readings and book signings, or even storytelling hours and book-themed crafts!

Support Independent Bookstores

Show your support this National Reading Month for local businesses by buying books from independent bookstores. It is a great way to spend a Saturday morning—a multitude of bookshops interspersed with coffee and cake!

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology has made reading more accessible than ever. E-books, audiobooks, and reading apps allow you to enjoy literature on the go. So go ahead and take advantage of these resources to squeeze in more reading time throughout your day. Tell your kids that it’s the only technology allowed this month!

Social media and online platforms also offer unique opportunities to connect with authors and fellow book lovers. Here you can easily participate in virtual book discussions, attend webinars or live Q&As with authors, and share your reading experiences on social media. 

National Reading Month is a time to celebrate the transformative power of books. It's an invitation to explore new stories, learn from diverse perspectives, and share the joy of reading with others. 

Make the most of this wonderful month and start a new journey through the pages of a book. We wish you happy reading and extraordinary adventures. Let's march into reading and make this National Reading Month a memorable one. 

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The Importance Of Reading Month

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Throughout the month of March, kids all across America will be doing a lot more reading because March is National Reading Month! While students and some parents might view the extra emphasis on reading a bit tedious, the boost in reading during this month has huge rewards that continue to pay off in the near and distant future. So, what’s all the hype about and why is Reading Month so important?

Reading can be a wonderful outlet for students, particularly those that are going through some tough life situations. Literature allows students to take a break from their reality and transport themselves to a fantasy world. This break from reality is just what many of our students at My Virtual Academy need. Teens can find books that discuss similar issues they are facing, and many students find them to be great sources of strength and encouragement. It’s wonderful when students find a character in a book they can identify with or aspire to be. Encourage your child to do a little research to find a book that speaks to them instead of you choosing one for them. When students choose their own reading material, they tend to have a greater love for reading and show a greater interest.

When you have a confident reader, you have a confident student. National Reading Month is in place to boost the love of reading while improving literacy skills. Our staff comes up with fun ways to get students reading because it pays off exponentially when it comes to their academics. If you have a son or daughter that would excel as a virtual student, please visit our website to learn more. My Virtual Academy is a tuition-free program that allows students in grades 5-12 the chance to do their schooling in the comfort of their own home, at their own pace, at times of the day that are convenient for them. Click here for more information

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March is National Reading Month and RIF wants to support our community of parents, caregivers, educators, and volunteers to engage and motivate the readers in your lives. National Reading Month is an important opportunity to encourage reading every day and to foster a love of books for children across the country.

To celebrate reading throughout March, take a look at the ideas and resources on this page. And, showcase your own love of reading and local literacy impact. Use hashtag #ReadWithRIF throughout National Reading Month when posting online to share the books you’re reading, your book stack, your students reading or your literacy-minded service activities. Join RIF in creating an online reading movement! Plus, tune into our social channels for features tips, titles and activities! ➭ FACEBOOK  @ReadingIsFundamental      ➭ INSTAGRAM  @readingisfundamental      ➭ TWITTER   @RIFWEB

March 31, 2021  - A book club is a great way to encourage your child to read and share the love of reading with friends. Pick a time each week for the book club to meet, each child can take turns picking out a book, provide a few snacks and encourage a lively discussion.  Click to see all March literacy tips. .

Want a daily literacy tip or activity for the month of March? Text the word RIFREAD to 1-877-379-5018 and receive a daily text with tips to help foster a love of reading!  *Standard texting rates apply

JOIN US! On  March 18 at 7pm EST , Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is hosting a virtual family literacy evening for parents and caregivers. During National Reading Month and there is no better time to celebrate reading with our RIF community, share some at-home reading ideas and tips and end with a bedtime read-aloud, all from the comfort of your home!

During this one hour webinar, RIF will provide a short overview of the current literacy crisis in America, highlight why reading aloud to your children is so important, and share some easy tips and activities to incorporate into daily routines to inspire and motivate reading all year long. We understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on our nation's children and are here to provide support and resources keep your children reading.

We will end the webinar with a special bed time read-aloud that will entertain your children while demonstrating some of our read aloud tips. Have your child grab their favorite blanket, get comfortable and enjoy story time with RIF.

In honor of National Reading Month, we are thrilled to highlight our friend and longtime literacy champion, LeVar Burton. This March, LeVar is donating 100% of his proceeds from the LeVar Burton Signature Series LA LOOP to support Reading Is Fundamental, and LA LOOP will be donating 3 books to RIF for every purchase of the product. We are tremendously grateful for this generosity and continue to be inspired by LeVar’s passion for fostering a love for reading in every child. Learn more  on how you can get involved.

Reading a book aloud, taking turns reading, acting out a book, and discussing a book are all critical elements to building children’s reading skills. Reading together starts children on a path to obtain the necessary reading skills to become proficient, interested, and hopefully lifelong readers. Here are some tips to make the most of your read-aloud time.

Watch some of RIF’s webinars with suggested at-home literacy tips and ideas for raising a reader.

How To Raise A Reader

Literacy tips for home.

March 31, 2021 A book club is a great way to encourage your child to read and share the love of reading with friends. Pick a time each week for the book club to meet, each child can take turns picking out a book, provide a few snacks and encourage a lively discussion.

March 30, 2021 Promote literacy with your child by turning on the captions when watching an online video, a show on television or a movie. It will help your child make a connection between the words they are hearing and the words they’re reading on the screen. It’s also a great way for them to identify any new vocabulary they hear. Next time they read that word in a text, they’ll be more likely to correctly identify it.

March 29, 2021 The End Game: After you finish reading a story with your child, have he or she put themselves in the author’s shoes and think about how they may have changed the ending. Have your child share their new story ending with a family member by retelling the new story version or writing it down.

March 28, 2021 Make waiting time, reading time. Be sure to keep a couple of books in the car for your child to read as you drive, and always bring some along to read while you wait for the doctor or dentist.

March 27, 2021 Playing games can help a child with reading. Try playing I Spy. Simply pick an object and describe it by using the first letter of the object such as “I spy with my little eye, something that begins with the letter P.”

March 26, 2021 Create a word wall to help your child work on their spelling, vocabulary and reading skills. Your child can add to it everyday and make sure you refer to it often.

March 25, 2021 Use the 3:2:1 strategy to get your child or student engaged in a book. Write down 3 things they learned, 2 things that are interesting and 1 question they have. These questions boost engagement while improving reading comprehension.

March 24, 2021 There are lots of reading strategies for your child to take control of their own reading and get through tough words. Remind them they can sound it out, look for a base word, chunk it, try a different sound, reread, use picture clues, use context cues, and use their background knowledge.

March 23, 2021 Make reading a daily habit at home. Your child can track their reading each day with the RIF reading log and you can reward them with a fun reading certificate . Celebrate that your child is a proud RIF reader! Looking for something new to read? RIF is partnering with The Week Junior, a news magazine for children grades 4-8 to offer our RIF community the opportunity to read one free edition to celebrate National Reading Month and the Week Jr.’s one year anniversary. Every issue is filled with news, science, animals, nature, sports, entertainment and more. Enjoy this issue with your child today.

March 22, 2021 How about starting a books for breakfast routine on your weekends? Make reading a part of your weekend breakfast routine. While you wait for the toast to pop, or cereal to hit the bowl, have your child read a couple of pages from their favorite book. Talk as a family about the book while you enjoy your breakfast

March 21, 2021 When reading a book with your child, before starting flip through the pages and point out the illustrations and make predictions based on what you both see in the book (be careful not to give away the ending)!

March 20, 2021 Create a reading treasure hunt for your child today. For the treasure, pick something you want them to find. Leave pictures (for younger children) or word clues to follow to reach the treasure. Your turn, have them do the same for you.

March 19, 2021 Have your child write an acrostic poem using the letter in his or her name. Each letter should describe your child. Here’s an example for Stella: Sweet, Talkative, Eager, Living, Likes to Learn, Adventurous

March 18, 2021 Inspire your child to read with engaging activities you can find in RIF Book Bingo that help them play along as they read their favorite stories.

March 17, 2021 After reading a book with your child, here are some questions to ask to support their comprehension: (1) What was your favorite part of the story? Why? (2) Who was the most important character? Why? (3) What was the problem in the story? How was it solved? (4) Does this book remind you of another book? Why? (5) How did the story make you feel? and (6) Do you remember a time when you….? What happened?

March 16, 2021 Before reading a book with your child, show the cover and introduce the title, author and illustrator. ask your child what they think will happen in the book, and suggest things your child can look or listen for during the story. Additional questions to ask before reading a book with your child include: (1) What do you think this book is about and why, (2) Where do you think the story takes place? (3) Have you ever read anything like this before, (4) Discuss things that your child may have in common with the characters or setting in the story.

March 15, 2021 Encourage vocabulary development using fun games such as word searches, matching games and criss cross puzzles. RIF makes it easy to create these to use in class or at home at Puzzle Creator Interactive and Printable | RIF.org

March 14, 2021 Encourage your child to read all types of books across many genres including picture books, chapter books, comic books, drawing books and more! Don’t forget to mix in some nonfiction. Make it exciting – use the RIF 40 book reading challenge to get your child started. Magazines are also a great opportunity to encourage reading. RIF is partnering with The Week Junior, a news magazine for children grades 4-8 to offer our RIF community the opportunity to read one free edition to celebrate National Reading Month and the Week Jr.’s one year anniversary. Every issue is filled with news, science, animals, nature, sports, entertainment and more. Enjoy this issue with your child today .

March 13, 2021 Get a set of dice and play Read, Roll and Tell. After reading a story, roll the dice. Based on the number rolled, have your child answer the related question. Roll three times. Here are the dice number questions: (1) Talk about where the story takes place. (2) Identify and describe the main character. (3) Talk about when the story takes place. (4) Talk about your favorite part of the story. (5) Talk about a problem that took place in the story. (6) Talk about what this story makes you think of when reading it.

March 12, 2021 Visit the library and/or bookstore often (based on COVID-19 guidelines), making trips as often as you can. Help your child sign up for his or her own library card – an exciting day when they can start to choose and check out their own books. Take advantage of library programs, such as read-alouds and family book clubs. There are even many online read-aloud opportunities. Find some of RIF’s latest read alouds at www.rif.org/literacy-central/read-aloud-collection .

March 11, 2021 Tie literacy to art for a fun way to encourage reading. You could visit an art museum together (based on COVID-19 guidelines) and use storytelling to explain what is happening in the artwork. Allow your child to interpret the artwork however he or she views it. Have your child create their own drawings, painting, sculptures and even instillation pieces made from recyclables in your home. Explain their art with sentence strips on which your child dictates to you what their artwork is about (consider making a video in which the children can tell a story about their artwork).

March 10, 2021 Write with your child. Provide a variety of writing materials (such as chalk, markers, crayons) and encourage your child to draw and write on their own. Encourage your child to practice letters and sight words, write thank you notes, make to-do lists, and even create their own stories to share with the family

March 9, 2021 Nursery rhymes play a critical role in language and literacy development. Rhymes help children develop an understanding of the patterns of language and understand the sounds and blends that are the building blocks of words. Sing and rhyme with your child as they learn about sounds and syllables. Choose songs with rhymes and word play. Playing rhyming games with your child such has what other words sound like “honey.” Challenge your child to sing or say rhymes as fast as they can and get silly together.

March 8, 2021 Point out environmental print to your child – this includes any time you see text outside your home – think street signs, posters in buildings, and even flyers at the grocery store. Note signage during nature walks and other outings. Ask your child to point out print outside of the home too.

March 7, 2021 Cooking together with your child is a fun and special way to develop literacy skills. Show your child how to read a recipe – looking at measurements, instructions for preparation, and order of steps. As you prepare the recipe, look at the labels on ingredients together. You can even make a family cookbook of favorite recipes you love to cook and enjoy together. Plus, you can develop oral literacy by talking about family recipes and cooking tips

March 6, 2021 Did you know grocery shopping can also be a way to encourage reading and writing? At the store, help your child figure out the first letter of specific brands. Then together go on a hunt to find foods from those brands. Or, use the aisle markers with your child to find items. Even have your child (if age appropriate) write out grocery lists.

March 5, 2021 Read aloud to your child every day even when they are babies. Bring a book to life by using a different voice for each character, consider dressing up like one of the characters or using puppets or stuffed toys related to the story, ask open-ended questions such as “how do you think the character felt?” and ask your child to make predictions about the plot, the characters, and the setting. RIF offers many resources on how to make the most of your read aloud time.

March 4, 2021   Ask your child to tell you a story, describing an event in his or her life. Talking about their experiences helps children think about and process them. Giving detailed descriptions and telling complete stories helps children learn about story structure and sequencing; what happens in the beginning, middle and end of a story. These skills set a foundation for reading. They can tell you real stories about their lives or make up stories using their imaginations.

March 3, 2021 Create a special reading area in your home: a designated, cozy location to enjoy a good story where a selection of great books is always at arm’s reach. And, kids love to create reading forts with their favorite blankets and pillow and of course a flashlight. Sometimes books are best when read in a cozy spot!

March 2, 2021 Every child needs to see that reading is important. Whenever you have free time, are looking for an activity for quiet play or there’s stormy weather outside, suggest reading! Adults can set a good example by showing your kids you are a reader too. Read magazines, newspapers, and books in front of your children. This type of modeling will be powerful as children get older and are able to read independently. They’ll see how they can incorporate reading into their daily lives even as other activities demand their attention. RIF is partnering with The Week Junior, a news magazine for children grades 4-8 to offer our RIF community the opportunity to read one free edition to celebrate National Reading Month and the Week Jr.’s one year anniversary. Every issue is filled with news, science, animals, nature, sports, entertainment and more. Enjoy this issue with your child today

March 1, 2021   Set a reading goal for your child this month. Decide how many books and track them by making a fun chart or use RIF’s Reading Log at Printable Reading Logs and Certificates | RIF.org . Make all kinds of books readily available to your child. Get the entire family involved with each member setting a March reading goal.

In addition, to the tips and ideas on this page, we invite you to visit Literacy Central for book activities, games, and tools to motivate your students and children to read along with RIF all month long! For reading fun, visit www.RIF.org/Literacy-Central Set a goal to read daily and track your child’s progress here: www.RIF.org/Literacy-Central/Reading-Logs

National Reading Month: Expand Your Ideas About Reading and Writing

March is National Reading Month, a celebration that encourages reading for all ages and promotes reading as a key feature for learning, social, and professional development.

Becoming more mindful about reading-writing connections

As we celebrate the value of reading, it’s also important to remember its connection to writing. Even though most educational settings teach reading and writing separately, these activities rarely occur independently of one another. Lizzie Hutton, director of the Howe Writing Center (the writing-focused arm of Miami’s Howe Center for Writing Excellence ), continues to research the reading-writing connection. She regularly examines college students’ diverse reading and writing practices, their transfer of literacy knowledge across contexts, and the most effective means for enabling peer support for engaged knowledge building.

Here are some takeaways from Hutton’s research to help you connect and boost your reading and writing practices:

Reading is not only a school-based activity.

“Reading is not just sitting down and reading a novel cover to cover. One thing that’s really important for educators to do is just raise awareness that reading really is already everywhere. We read texts from friends, recipes and instructions, street signs, and emails. What can help students with their reading is recognizing all the reading skills — and goals for reading — that they already have in place, and then building on those skills and goals to meet new demands.”

Engaged reading always has a purpose — a ‘why.’

“It’s also important for students to not just think about what they read but to think about why they’re reading — the purpose that they’re bringing to the writing task. In the writing center, for example, we use reading to help students revise and to help them think about what they’ve already written in a new way; but that’s a particular kind of attention you bring to text that’s different from the kind of reading you might do when you read a book for pleasure or when you read a recipe to cook a meal.”

Recognize that the attention applied to reading can transfer to writing.

“I study the literacy theorist, Louise Rosenblatt, whose work helps us better understand how reading operates, and that kind of attention you bring to reading can transfer over to the kinds of attention you bring to your writing. It’s important that students think about all the different kinds of reading they can and will do in and out of the classroom — reading to revise a text or learn from a text, reading critically or in order to respond to something, reading to synthesize information. Thinking about the different ways we read then gives us insight into the different kinds of attention we also bring to different writing tasks — and how reading critically can help us exercise the muscles we use when we write in a more critical mode.”

Think about reading and writing in a more expansive way.

“Students need lots of opportunities to do all different kinds of reading and writing for their classes — so not just reading scholarship, but reading from newspapers, reading from novels, and reading from Twitter feeds — so they can develop a strong sense of the range of types of textual engagement that are already all around them. Sometimes our world looks really narrow. Reading is a doorway into a much bigger view — one that enlarges our visions of others and of ourselves. It’s amazing to think not only of all the texts that are available to read, but of all the different kinds of meaning readers can make from those texts. Remind students that there’s a huge world out there of stuff to read and empower them to discover what those different texts might be — texts that might change their whole outlook.”

Make an appointment at the Howe Writing Center.

If you’re looking for writing (and reading!) support, check out the Howe Writing Center , which offers flexible appointment options to fit your needs and schedule. Hutton mentions, “The Howe Writing Center is a wonderful resource where students can talk to peers about their writing in a collaborative, judgment-free zone. We support writers on any and all tasks they may be working on to help them develop a strong sense of themselves as writers.”

Happy reading and writing to all!

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6 Free Stories for National Reading Month

• March 24, 2020
• / Family , free stories , Reading , Stories

March is National Reading Month, and it’s the perfect time to share a story as a family. While kids around the country– and the world– are home from school, we want to provide resources to keep young minds engaged, creating, and learning. Here are five free stories from our award-winning children’s magazines– plus an entire bonus magazine issue!

No One Makes The Dog Do That (LADYBUG Magazine, Ages 3-6)

In this sweet story by Kris Bitar, a little boy becomes frustrated with all of the rules he has to follow and envies his dog, Maddie. Nobody makes her wipe her feet, try food she doesn’t like, or clean up after herself! This story provides a great foundation for family discussions. The little boy’s mother doesn’t know how upset he is until he finally breaks down crying at the unfairness of the situation. Have your children ever felt that way? How do rules keep us safe? Why do we have to follow rules while pets don’t?

Read and download the story here !

Something For Nothing (CRICKET Magazine, Ages 9-14)

Can you really get something for nothing? In this charming Irish folktale told by Joanne Roberts, lazy McMullen tries his luck asking the faery folk for three wishes. Little does he know that wishes don’t always come true in the way that he expects them to! He wishes for a house, a wife, and a field of gold. How will the mischievous faerie twist his wishes? And will McMullen enjoy a happy ending despite not receiving what he hoped for?

Find out in this story from CRICKET!

A Famous Friendship (COBBLESTONE Magazine, Ages 9-14)

March is also Women’s History Month, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t share a true tale of friendship between two outstanding women in American History! A chance meeting on the street in Seneca Falls, New York, dramatically altered history. When Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were introduced after an abolitionist meeting, they became a powerful team fighting for women’s suffrage. Cady Stanton even said of Anthony, “I forged the thunderbolts; she fired them.”

Read and download the whole article here to learn more about their work together.

Cloud Fishing (SPIDER Magazine, Ages 6-19)

In this gentle story by Zach Falcon, Jean sets out to catch a cloud fish right out of the sky! But what will happen once she catches the cloud and brings it home? Do clouds make good pets, or do they belong in the sky? This story will spark children’s imaginations and inspire them in creative play. What kind of animals do they see in the clouds? How would they take care of their cloud pets?

Check out the full story!

Mee-An and the Magic Serpent (FACES Magazine, Ages 9-14)

Is the whole family at home together? Join in and perform this short play based on a folktale from Mali, here retold by Pat Betteley. Beautiful, vain young woman Mee-An is looking for a husband, but she has very high standards. She’s looking for a man without a single scratch or scar on his body. When a powerful serpent hears about her, he decides to disguise himself as a handsome man to win her hand. Will Mee-An escape the cunning serpent? And will she learn why it’s important not to judge by outward appearances?

Download and print the play here!

A Special Pandemics Issue

This isn’t just a free story! It’s an entire issue of free articles that center around topics of pandemics, germs, and viruses. How do diseases spread and how can we prevent or fight them? This issue features material for readers of all ages, from preschool to teens and includes historical fiction stories about characters living through past pandemics as well as nonfiction articles. It’s a great way to keep the whole family informed.

Read the whole issue here!

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November is National Reading Month 

November is National Reading Month here in the Philippines.  It started in 2011 when the Department of Education made it as one of their programs to promote the love for reading.

The celebration of Reading Month also focuses on not just simply reading but also on reading comprehension.  The importance of being able to understand what one is reading is an essential part in learning and communicating.

How do we celebrate Reading Month in this time of pandemic?  Here are some suggestions.

Re-read your favorite book. If you haven’t read a book for a while now, one way to jumpstart your reading journey is to re-read your favorite book.  It helps to get your reading momentum going.

Read the same book together with your friends over a video call. Have a fun read-aloud and read-along video call session with your friends.  It is a good bonding activity and makes reading a little bit more fun.

Gift your favorite book to a friend. Share the love of reading to a friend by gifting them of your favorite book.  For a friend who isn’t into reading, giving them your favorite book might encourage them to read more.

Read a book from a different genre.   There is always that genre that you like the least.  For Reading Month, try reading a book from that genre.  Who knows?  It might surprise you and you will enjoy it.  Go for the unfamiliar.

Have a reading contest.   Have a contest among your friends.  Maybe something like who read the most books for the month or guess the title of the book being described.  Make it fun, make it interactive.

The activities you can do for Reading Month are endless.  These are just suggestions.  The important thing is to make time to read.

Happy National Reading Month!

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DepEd leads National Reading Month celebration this November

The Department of Education (DepEd) marks the calendar with a significant yearly celebration – the National Reading Month (NRM). 

This month-long event observed every November, is part of the agency's efforts to foster a culture of reading and enhance literacy skills among the youth. 

Recognizing the pivotal role of reading in education, the DepEd endeavors to make this month a cornerstone for the development of a lifelong love for learning.

“Hangad ng taunang selebrasyon na maisulong ang kahalagahan ng panitikan at pagbabasa (The aim of this yearly celebration is to promote the importance of literature and reading),” DepEd said in a Facebook post on Nov. 10. 

“Nilalayon din nitong mas paghusayin pa ang kasanayan sa pagbasa ng mga Pilipinong mag-aaral upang mas mapabuti pa ang kanilang pagkatuto (It also seeks to further enhance the reading skills of Filipino students to improve their learning even more),” it added. 

DepEd’s NRM celebration is anchored on promoting reading and literacy among pupils and students. 

It also aims to make reading a “shared physical experience” specifically among the youth to increase its relevance “amidst the growing reliance on the internet and inclination to online activities.” 

NRM activities 

For this year’s NRM celebration, the agency asked all concerned to refer to the DepEd Memorandum No. 244 series of 2011 entitled “Declaring November as National Reading Month of Every Year and November 25, 2011 as the Nationwide Araw ng Pagbasa” issued by former Education Secretary Armin Luistro. 

Through the memorandum, DepEd urged schools and learning institutions to conduct a month-long reading program to revive students' interest in reading.

Among the activities suggested for the NRM celebration include the “Read-a-Thon” which seeks to foster a reading culture among pupils and to determine the most outstanding individual and team readers among elementary pupils in public schools. 

The “Drop Everything and Read (DEAR),” on the other hand, is a 15 to 20-minute daily activity devoted to reading books or any materials available inside the school.

The “Big Brother/Big Sister” or “Kaklase Ko, Sagot Ko” is also one activity recommended for the NRM celebration. It is a shared reading activity wherein older students or independent readers mentor pupils at the “frustration reading level” or non-reading level. 

Meanwhile, schools are also encouraged to conduct various remedial classes and reading assistance programs wherein remedial lessons are given to children who are non-readers by teachers or class advisers. 

Other activities include the “Five Words A Week (FWAW),” “A Paragraph A Day (APAD)” and “Library Hour A Week” wherein pupils are encouraged to learn and master one word a day, five days a week, and read aloud one to two paragraphs a day before classes start to develop communication. 

Moreover, the “Reading Camp” aims to highlight the pupil’s talents in communication arts through competitions.

DepEd encouraged regional, division, and school officials to lead a nationwide synchronized reading program conducted every first Monday of November from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Nov. 25 was also declared the nationwide “Araw ng Pagbasa” or “National Reading Day” as the culmination activity for the NRM.

To encourage elementary pupils as well as secondary students from both public and private schools to participate in the “Araw ng Pagbasa,” DepEd also encouraged teachers to organize story-telling sessions, reading list preparation, readers’ training, and a readership development program and declamation contests. 

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DepEd cites importance of reading at early age in Araw ng Pagbasa 2022 celebration

December 01, 2022 – The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday cited the significance of reading at an early age during the Araw ng Pagbasa 2022 celebration which served as the culminating event of the 2022 Pambansang Buwan ng Pagbasa .

“ Importante na simula sa murang edad ay matutunan natin na mahalin at pahalagahan ang pagbabasa. Ang pagbasa ang nagsisilbing daan upang tuklasin ang malawak na mundo sa ating paligid at mas kilalanin ang sarili nating potensyal upang magsimula ng positibong pagbabago gaya ng mga paborito nating tauhan sa mga kuwento ,” Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Gina O. Gonong said in her virtual message during the 2022 National Reading Month (NRM) celebration.

In the celebration, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte served as the first reading ambassador of the event to champion reading, literature, and literacy in the lives of the Filipino youth and communities.

Vice President and Secretary Duterte read stories for children titled Ang Kamatis ni Peles, Pitong Araw na Trabaho written by Virgilio S. Almario, and Ang Bungtod ug Ako (The Mountain and I); and encouraged reading among the Filipino youth.

“ Sa pagbasa, nalilinang natin ang kakayahang magbasa, magsulat at magbilang na mahahalagang elemento ng pagkatuto at pundasyon ng habambuhay na pagkatuto. Instrumento rin ang pagbasa sa paglinang ng mga indibidwal na kakayahan na kailangan ng sinuman upang magtagumpay sa hinaharap ,” Usec. Dr. Gonong added.

Carrying the theme “Rediscover the Legacy of Literature through Reading”, the NRM celebration promotes love for reading among students and raises awareness of the vital role of reading and literacy in developing critical thinking in the youth.

Meanwhile, other DepEd Executive Committee members who were also chosen as ambassadors for reading, Usec. Dr. Gonong, Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Epimaco V. Densing III, and Undersecretary for Finance Annalyn M. Sevilla participated in the succeeding storytelling sessions.

BLD Director Leila P. Areola, on the other hand, stressed the significance of declaring the celebration of NRM every November to promote the Bawat Bata Bumabasa program and cultivate a genuine love for reading.

“It is our fervent hope that our schools and learning centers will continue conducting the activities [Read-A-Thon, Share-a-Book, and Book Talk] we started and that we will continue to promote the love for reading among learners as well as the whole school community.”

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NATIONAL READING MONTH

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National Reading Month 2023 official theme

• Mark Pere Madrona
• October 13, 2023
• Department of Education , education

(UPDATED, 15 November 2023)

Elementary and secondary schools around the Philippines will be celebrating the National Reading Month this November, according to Department of Education (DepEd) memorandum #44-2011.

The highlight of this month is the conduct of the National Reading Day or “Araw ng Pagbasa” as stipulated through Republic Act 10556 which was signed into law by the late former President Benigno Aquino, III.

However, as of November 15, DepEd has not released an official theme for National Reading Month 2023. The month-long celebration is customarily managed by the schools’ respective English Department, and in the absence of an official theme from DepEd, school divisions have decided to adopt their respective theme. The Filipino Scribe will be updating this post when new information becomes available.

The problem of poor reading comprehension among Filipino students has been widely reported the last five years. In a speech before the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization or SEAMEO, Vice President and concurrent Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio pointed out that the problem has worsened because of the lengthy school closures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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About Author

The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.

Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.

Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.

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There’s a New Covid Variant. What Will That Mean for Spring and Summer?

Experts are closely watching KP.2, now the leading variant.

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By Dani Blum

For most of this year, the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus accounted for an overwhelming majority of Covid cases . But now, an offshoot variant called KP.2 is taking off. The variant, which made up just one percent of cases in the United States in mid-March, now makes up over a quarter.

KP.2 belongs to a subset of Covid variants that scientists have cheekily nicknamed “FLiRT,” drawn from the letters in the names of their mutations. They are descendants of JN.1, and KP.2 is “very, very close” to JN.1, said Dr. David Ho, a virologist at Columbia University. But Dr. Ho has conducted early lab tests in cells that suggest that slight differences in KP.2’s spike protein might make it better at evading our immune defenses and slightly more infectious than JN.1.

While cases currently don’t appear to be on the rise, researchers and physicians are closely watching whether the variant will drive a summer surge.

“I don’t think anybody’s expecting things to change abruptly, necessarily,” said Dr. Marc Sala, co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive Covid-19 Center in Chicago. But KP.2 will most likely “be our new norm,’” he said. Here’s what to know.

The current spread of Covid

Experts said it would take several weeks to see whether KP.2 might lead to a rise in Covid cases, and noted that we have only a limited understanding of how the virus is spreading. Since the public health emergency ended , there is less robust data available on cases, and doctors said fewer people were using Covid tests.

But what we do know is reassuring: Despite the shift in variants, data from the C.D.C. suggests there are only “minimal ” levels of the virus circulating in wastewater nationally, and emergency department visits and hospitalizations fell between early March and late April.

“I don’t want to say that we already know everything about KP.2,” said Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, the chief of research and development at the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Healthcare System. “But at this time, I’m not seeing any major indications of anything ominous.”

Protection from vaccines and past infections

Experts said that even if you had JN.1, you may still get reinfected with KP.2 — particularly if it’s been several months or longer since your last bout of Covid.

KP.2 could infect even people who got the most updated vaccine, Dr. Ho said, since that shot targets XBB.1.5, a variant that is notably different from JN.1 and its descendants. An early version of a paper released in April by researchers in Japan suggested that KP.2 might be more adept than JN.1 at infecting people who received the most recent Covid vaccine. (The research has not yet been peer-reviewed or published.) A spokesperson for the C.D.C. said the agency was continuing to monitor how vaccines perform against KP.2.

Still, the shot does provide some protection, especially against severe disease, doctors said, as do previous infections. At this point, there isn’t reason to believe that KP.2 would cause more severe illness than other strains, the C.D.C. spokesperson said. But people who are 65 and older, pregnant or immunocompromised remain at higher risk of serious complications from Covid.

Those groups, in particular, may want to get the updated vaccine if they haven’t yet, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. The C.D.C. has recommended t hat people 65 and older who already received one dose of the updated vaccine get an additional shot at least four months later.

“Even though it’s the lowest level of deaths and hospitalizations we’ve seen, I’m still taking care of sick people with Covid,” he said. “And they all have one unifying theme, which is that they’re older and they didn’t get the latest shot.”

The latest on symptoms and long Covid

Doctors said that the symptoms of both KP.2 and JN.1 — which now makes up around 16 percent of cases — are most likely similar to those seen with other variants . These include sore throat, runny nose, coughing, head and body aches, fever, congestion, fatigue and in severe cases, shortness of breath. Fewer people lose their sense of taste and smell now than did at the start of the pandemic, but some people will still experience those symptoms.

Dr. Chin-Hong said that patients were often surprised that diarrhea, nausea and vomiting could be Covid symptoms as well, and that they sometimes confused those issues as signs that they had norovirus .

For many people who’ve already had Covid, a reinfection is often as mild or milder than their first case. While new cases of long Covid are less common now than they were at the start of the pandemic, repeat infections do raise the risk of developing long Covid, said Fikadu Tafesse, a virologist at Oregon Health & Science University. But researchers are still trying to determine by how much — one of many issues scientists are trying to untangle as the pandemic continues to evolve.

“That’s the nature of the virus,” Dr. Tafesse said. “It keeps mutating.”

Dani Blum is a health reporter for The Times. More about Dani Blum

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Egg and milk prices fall, fueling hope for interest rate cuts

Scott Horsley

Grocery prices fell in April as overall inflation cooled. Milk prices dropped 0.8% while egg prices declined 7.3%. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images hide caption

Grocery prices fell in April as overall inflation cooled. Milk prices dropped 0.8% while egg prices declined 7.3%.

Inflation slowed last month, offering a note of relief to cash-strapped shoppers after three months of bigger-than-expected price increases.

Consumer prices in April were up 3.4% from a year ago, according to the Labor Department , a smaller annual increase than the month before. The cost of living rose 0.3% between March and April. Rising rents and gasoline prices were partially offset by falling prices for groceries, including household staples such as eggs and milk.

"Core" inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, was 3.6% in April — the lowest reading in three years.

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Interest rate cuts still possible.

If inflation continues to moderate, the Federal Reserve may be able to start cutting interest rates later this year — a prospect that cheered investors and triggered a stock market rally.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose nearly 350 points or 0.88%, and all of the major stock indexes closed at record highs.

Still, the central bank is likely to be cautious about cutting rates until it's confident that prices are under control.

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5 takeaways from Biden's tariff hikes on Chinese electric vehicles

Powell acknowledged how frustrating the extended period of high prices has been.

"You tell people that inflation is coming down and they think, 'I don't understand that. The price of all the things that I buy hasn't come down.' And they're not wrong," Powell said at a conference in Amsterdam. "Particularly people at the lower end of the income spectrum are very hard hit by inflation from the start, which is why we're so strongly committed to restoring price stability."

Signs some consumers are maxed out

There are signs that some consumers are hitting their limit. Retail sales were flat in April, according to the Commerce Department, although spending at gas stations rose 3.1%.

Although wages have risen faster than prices over the last year, some families are relying on credit cards to cover their monthly bills. Nearly one in five credit card users has maxed out his credit limit , according to a report Tuesday from the New York Federal Reserve Bank .

• U.S. economy
• grocery prices
• Fed Chairman Jerome Powell