Read Across America Day at Shakamak
This week, our elementary celebrated Read Across America Day. Guest readers shared special stories, and students enjoying books together. It was a wonderful reminder of how powerful reading can be.
I want to challenge all of us to read to the children in our lives. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, older sibling, neighbor, or family friend, your time and your voice matter.
I still remember some of my favorite reading moments as a child. My grandma would read and recite Mother Goose nursery rhymes with me. I can still hear her voice. I also remember my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Moore, reading my very first chapter book, Charlotte’s Web. That story made me feel like I had stepped into a whole new world. Those moments stayed with me and helped shape my love of reading.
This week, I had the chance to read the book The Curious Why to our students. It reminded them, and me, to stay curious, ask questions, and never stop wondering. That’s what reading does. It opens doors. It sparks imagination. It helps children see what is possible.
Research shows that reading with children makes a big difference:
Children who are read to often have stronger vocabularies.
Reading helps children do better in school — in every subject.
Reading together builds strong relationships and happy memories.
Here’s one powerful fact:
Students who read 20 minutes a day are exposed to about 1.8 million words per year. Students who read only 1 minute a day see about 8,000 words per year. That difference adds up quickly and it impacts school readiness, confidence, and long-term success. Just ask any teacher!
Even 15–20 minutes a day can change a child’s future.
Let’s work together to grow readers at Shakamak. Pick up a book. Visit the library. Take turns reading out loud. Ask questions about the story. Most of all, enjoy the time together.
When we build a love of reading, we build confident learners for life.
