World Read Aloud Day: 4 ways to bring back joy of reading in your life

Many of us might remember the joy and effectiveness of reading aloud on our terrace under the winter sun right before our final exams. It was a glorious time in our childhoods when studying was made fun by reading our chapters loudly. We did so for an important reason though—benefits of reading aloud are many. One tends to remember and register concepts better. The art of reading aloud also helps tell stories to each other, whether in school or in gatherings. Indeed, the beauty of the tale told loudly through words and gestures have made many stories come alive in the minds of kids and adults alike.

A very interesting day, World Read Aloud Day, is dedicated to promoting the joy and power of reading and sharing stories. It is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of February. The day aims to celebrate the spoken word and connect hearts through the art of storytelling. On this day, people around the world come together to participate in various activities that involve reading aloud, sharing stories and engaging in the joy of literature. As we commemorate this wonderful occasion, let’s explore four delightful ways reading aloud enhances fluency and fosters happiness and meaningful connections.

Joy of shared stories

Whether it’s reading delightful tales to children and friends or participating in virtual reading sessions, the act of sharing stories fosters a sense of connection and happiness. And World Read Aloud Day invites people to rediscover the joy of shared stories, something that got lost somewhere during the advent of technology.

By reading aloud, we learn to appreciate the beauty of language and create a shared experience that binds us together.

Building fluency

Reading aloud is a powerful tool to improve fluency in any language we choose to pursue. The act of reading words out loudly enhances our comprehension, pronunciation and overall language skills. Celebrating this day encourages us to engage in reading-aloud practices and that contributes to our improved fluency— a skill that extends beyond the celebration itself.

Fostering a lifelong love for reading

Reading aloud instills a lifelong love for reading in many. By engaging in the act of reading aloud, individuals, especially children, develop a positive association with books. World Read Aloud Day encourages parents and communities to invest in creating an environment where reading is a skill and a source of continuous joy and enrichment. Building libraries or even small, locally owned bookshops in one’s community goes a long way in achieving this.

Connecting across boundaries

World Read Aloud Day transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Today, through virtual readings, collaborative storytelling and participation in global reading events, we can easily connect with other readers around the world. This shared literary experience fosters a sense of unity, breaks down barriers and promotes a global community that is bound by the love of words.

As we celebrate the wonderful World Read Aloud Day, let’s recognise the deep impact that the spoken word can have on our lives. Especially for parents of young children, this day showcases how the act of reading aloud has a positive and lasting impression on the communication skills and wellbeing of kids, something they can use all their lives.