When we open a book, a world appears before us.
Books take us on adventures beyond our imaginations, following ideas from one page to the next. They introduce us to new perspectives, encourage us to ask questions and help us connect and communicate.
All of that is literacy at work.
Each year on September 8, International Literacy Day gives us a chance to recognize the importance of literacy and the role it plays in our everyday lives
This year’s theme, “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,” highlights the many ways literacy helps people learn, connect and participate in the world around them.
Literacy Is a Tool Kids Carry With Them
Literacy is used in small ways every day.
When we read signs on the street or write a birthday card to a friend, that’s literacy at work! Reading regularly gives kids opportunities to strengthen these skills. Books can introduce new vocabulary, ideas and topics, while reading aloud gives kids a chance to practice using their voice and build confidence.
The more children practice, the more independently they can explore their own interests. A regular reading routine can also give kids a comfortable place to try something new, work through a challenging word or explore an unfamiliar topic.
Reading Can Help Kids Build Community
When we hear the word “literacy,” books are probably the first thing that comes to mind. But literacy reaches much further.
Literacy is the ability to understand information, communicate ideas and eventually create and share information of our own. As children read, they encounter different characters, experiences and points of view. Reading also gives kids new ideas to think about, talk about and share with others, creating opportunities for connection at school, at home and beyond.
More Ways to Get Books Into Kids’ Hands
Access matters, too. A child can’t discover the book that turns them into a reader if they never have the chance to find it.
Libraries, classrooms and bookshelves at home all give children opportunities to explore and build literacy skills. Reading in group settings gives kids opportunities to talk about what they’re reading, hear different perspectives and explore stories and ideas together.
Digital libraries like Epic strengthen this by providing accessibility for kids to read anywhere, with over 40,000 books to choose from so they can pick their favorite titles. Accessible formats, like Read-to-Me books and audiobooks, help model fluent reading and introduce kids to books above their reading level.
One child might want a novel they can disappear into and another might want dinosaurs and only dinosaurs that week. Someone else might be happiest bouncing between comics, nonfiction and a book about the deepest parts of the ocean.
However kids choose to read, giving them opportunities to follow their interests can help make reading something they want to keep doing.
Celebrate International Literacy Day With a Story
International Literacy Day may be a global celebration, but you don’t need a big plan to participate.
Start with one book and spend a little time reading with your child. Talk about something surprising you learned. Ask what they’d like to read next. If you’re an educator, give students a few extra minutes to explore a topic or story they choose themselves and talk about what they discovered.
This International Literacy Day, explore Epic with your young reader and find a book that makes them want to keep going. You might be helping them build a habit they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is International Literacy Day?
International Literacy Day is the celebration and recognition of the importance of reading, offering an opportunity to strengthen communication, critical thinking and cognitive skills.
▶ How does Epic support literacy for young readers?
Epic’s accessible Read-to-Me and audiobook features can help readers find a format that works for them. Epic also offers reading comprehension quizzes and reading-level filters.
▶ How can I celebrate International Literacy Day?
Celebrate International Literacy Day by picking up your favorite Epic book and reading with a group, one-on-one or independently.
