2010 Districtwide Family Read-Aloud program

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Begins March 2

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) announces its 2010 annual districtwide Family Read-Aloud program, connecting reading and early learning with family fun. Two nationwide reading initiatives bookend the program: March 2, which is Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day, and April 12, which is Beverly Cleary’s Birthday and D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read). Each Timberland library in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties will provide free Read-Aloud kits and most will also host one or more free related events.

“Reading aloud together is one of the most important gifts that a parent can give a child,” said Ellen Duffy, TRL Youth Services Coordinator. “Children learn best when they’re having fun and interacting with loving parents and other caring adults. Reading together nurtures family relationships and sends children a strong positive message about the value and fun of reading,” said Duffy.

Based on early learning research, the TRL Family Read-Aloud program promotes the educational, developmental and social value of families reading aloud together every day from the time children are babies. The program focuses on families, childcare groups and classrooms with children from infancy through grade three, but all ages are encouraged to join in the fun. One of the most entertaining aspects of the program involves families and classes reading aloud together in every room in the home—yes—that includes the basement, bathroom, kitchen, laundry space…

Make your house a Read-Aloud house

Families and childcare groups can pick up a free Family Read-Aloud House kit at any of the 27 Timberland libraries beginning March 1. Kits include:

• A new original drawing of a house and its rooms to color—this year’s house is a spaceship!
• A free paperback copy of Read to Your Bunny, by Rosemary Wells, compliments of the TRL Foundation, that charmingly depicts the special gift of reading aloud to a child
• Stickers to place on the drawing as the family reads together in rooms of their own home
• Program information and a reading log in English and Spanish
• A colorful Read-Aloud House door hanger
• A list of books that are especially good for reading aloud
• A prize drawing entry form

Online Read-Aloud materials and tips

Busy families, childcare providers and teachers who can’t make it into their Timberland libraries in early March can begin participating online at www.TRL.org. By the end of February, the Family Read-Aloud webpage will include program information, printable materials and booklists. Then, when participants visit their Timberland libraries in person, they can enter prize drawings, check out children’s books and talk with library staff about the whats, hows and whys of sharing books with children.

Finding Read-Aloud Books

Look for these booklists at your Timberland Library or online or ask a friendly library staff person to recommend a book that your family will enjoy reading together.

• 100 Books Every Child Should Hear Before Starting School
• 100 Favorite Children’s Books
• Books to Read Aloud

Favorite Books ABOUT Reading Aloud

• Reading Magic: Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever, by Mem Fox, (2008 Revised Edition)
• Reid’s Read-Alouds: Selections for Children and Teens, by Rob Reid, 2009
• The Read-Aloud Handbook,” the classic, by Jim Trelease, 6th edition, 2006 and earlier editions

Prizes

• The Big One: Everyone wins good times, lifelong educational benefits and family bonding.
• Five grand prizes: A backpack or suitcase packed with books will be awarded to one family in each of TRL’s five counties.
• Hundreds of books and other prizes provided by local reading foundations, Friends of the Library groups and businesses will be given away to children at local library branches at various times during the program.

Reading Aloud is key in reading success

Research shows that young children who are read to each day subsequently perform better in school in all areas of learning. “Reading Aloud together is one of the most important gifts that a parent can give a child. And the zany fun of reading in unusual spaces in the home motivates participation and reinforces the joy of reading,” said Duffy.

For further details about the Family Read-Aloud program, call or visit your local Timberland library or go to www.TRL.org.