What is Family Literacy Month?

Family Literacy Month is celebrated every November to highlight the role of families in fostering literacy and encourage more reading at home. 

This month is dedicated to promoting special activities and programs that support reading and learning together as a family. It is an opportunity for schools, libraries, and community centers to reach out to families, helping them engage in literacy-related activities and understand the impact of reading in everyday life.

Why Is Family Literacy Month Important?

Family Literacy Month emphasizes families' vital role in supporting children's reading skills and overall academic success. Research shows that when families actively engage in learning together, children's literacy and language skills improve significantly. This helps in academic areas, strengthens family bonds, and supports lifelong learning habits.

Read our Family Reading blog post for tips on strengthening family reading at home.

8 Ways to Celebrate Family Literacy Month 

1. Daily Reading Time
   Set aside a special time each day to read together as a family. Whether it’s after dinner or before bed, what matters most is keeping it consistent.
   
   
2. Visit Local Libraries
   Visit your local library for Family Literacy Month events or explore new books together. Themed displays and reading challenges make it fun for kids to discover stories they love.
   
   
3. Create a Family Book Club
   Pick a book to read together this month and chat about it over snacks each week. Talk about the story, characters, and what might happen next to keep kids engaged and thinking.
   
   
4. Storytelling Nights
   Arrange a night where each family member tells a personal story, a made-up tale, or a retelling of a favorite book. This activity is great for all ages and encourages creativity and public speaking skills.
   
   
5. Book-Themed Costume Day
   Host a Book Character Dress-Up Day where everyone comes as their favorite character. It’s a fun, engaging way to bring stories to life and spark conversations about favorite books and characters.
   
   
6. Write Together
   Create a family journal and invite everyone to write a little each day. It could be a thought, a story, or a poem. At the end of the month, you’ll have a beautiful collection of your family’s stories and creativity.
   
   
7. Literacy Field Trips
   Organize visits to places related to books or stories. These could be museums, historical sites, or places mentioned in books. Virtual field trips are great, too!
   
   
8. Volunteer for Reading Programs
   Look for community reading programs that welcome family volunteers. You might read aloud to younger children at a community center or help organize a neighborhood book drive.