Hello Bookworms!!!
As we all know,
February the 14th is Valentine’s Day and its coming up fast. People
are out buying flowers, candies, cards, jewelry, etc. for their loved ones to
commemorate the day. But there is another holiday that deserves some attention
on February 14th.
It is not
Valentine’s Day all over the world, however, it is INTERNATIONAL BOOK GIVING
DAY!!!!
What is International Book Giving Day?
International
Book Giving Day is a day dedicated to putting books in the hands of children
all over the world. We know that reading improves a child’s vocabulary,
imagination, reading/writing/and speaking skills, as well as improving their
memory allowing them to retain more information and helping them do better in
school. The aim of IBGD is to get people to help children by giving them books
to read. The best part is it’s super simple to do!! You don’t have to take a
lot of time or even a lot of money!
How do I participate?
All you have to
do is find a way to put a book in the hands of a child. There are infinite ways
that you can do that but here are a few examples that might help get your
creative juices flowing:
Give a book to your children or grandchildren
Give a book to the neighbor-kids (with their parents
permission of course)
Buy some books for the local
school/daycare/after-school program
Leave a book in the children’s area of the doctor’s office
(may need to ask the office staff for permission first but I don’t think
they’ll mind as long as you’ve asked.)
Donate your child’s old books that they don’t like anymore
(that are in good condition) to any charity that sends books to children whose
families/communities cannot afford them.
*Usually the
charities can be found by looking online or asking your local community offices
like the school social worker or office staff (usually the lower grades like
primary and elementary will be more aware because more charities target young
children), city hall, etc.
Want more information?
There are several ways to get information and updates in
regards to International Book Giving Day.
First, I recommend their website
for all you need to know about this movement and to sign your name to the list
of people from all over the world who are going to give books (signing the list
does not obligate you to do anything, or sign you up for any fees, you may
choose to be shown as anonymous. The organizers would just like to know how
many people and from what countries will books be given.)
Second, I recommend following the organizers on Twitter @bookgivingday. You will see all sorts of
stories, facts, print outs and more from the book giving day organizers. You
can find them by searching their name or find their tweets by searching the
hashtag #giveabook.
I personally am planning to
participate by giving books to the children in my class as a part of their take
home gift bags during their Valentine’s Day party. I hope you will participate
too. Books can bring joy and so many mental benefits to our kids. If kids can
learn to enjoy reading they have a resource that they can use for life as well
as a form of entertainment that will never run out. But all of the benefits
start with the child having a book in their hands. You can help start the whole
process, give a book on the 14th. J
Until Next Time,
Lizzie <3
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