What is National Family Literacy Month?

National Family Literacy Month is celebrated each November in the United States to promote reading, learning, and storytelling within families. This month encourages families to come together through books and reading activities, recognizing the importance of literacy in building strong family bonds and fostering children’s academic and personal growth. Family literacy refers to learning activities that involve both children and adults, helping parents and caregivers become active participants in their children’s educational journey.

National Family Literacy Month shines a light on the long-term benefits of family involvement in literacy, such as improved language skills, stronger reading habits, and greater confidence in learning. It’s a time for families to explore the joy of reading together, to visit libraries, and to create lifelong memories while enhancing literacy skills.

History and Origin

National Family Literacy Month was established by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), an organization dedicated to empowering families through literacy and education. Recognizing that literacy is foundational to success in both school and life, the NCFL sought to encourage family-centered literacy practices. November was chosen as it aligns with Family Literacy Day, November 1, and is close to the holiday season, when families are often spending time together and can make reading a part of family traditions.

The observance reflects research showing that family engagement in literacy positively impacts children’s academic achievement, creating a supportive environment for lifelong learning. Over the years, Family Literacy Month has grown, with schools, libraries, and community centers promoting reading activities, workshops, and literacy resources that support families in fostering a love of reading.

Who Celebrates National Family Literacy Month?

• Families and Caregivers: Parents, grandparents, and caregivers celebrate by reading with their children, sharing stories, and participating in community literacy activities.
• Schools and Teachers: Educators observe the month by encouraging families to engage in literacy at home, hosting reading challenges, and providing family literacy resources.
• Libraries and Community Centers: Libraries and community centers host reading events, workshops, and family-friendly story hours, promoting access to books and learning materials.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Literacy-focused organizations, like the NCFL and local literacy councils, promote family literacy programs and distribute resources to support reading and learning.
• Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators: Authors and illustrators participate by engaging with families through book signings, readings, and virtual events, fostering a love of storytelling.

Slogans and Themes

National Family Literacy Month focuses on themes of learning, connection, and growth. Common slogans include “Read Together, Learn Together,” “Building Readers, Building Bonds,” and “Families that Read Together, Succeed Together.” These themes emphasize the power of family involvement in literacy, highlighting the emotional and educational benefits of shared reading.

Colors, Symbols, and Patterns

• Colors:
  • Blue: Represents trust and support, highlighting the importance of family support in children’s literacy development.
  • Yellow: Symbolizes optimism and creativity, reflecting the joy and imagination that reading brings to family life.
  • Green: Represents growth and learning, symbolizing the development of literacy skills through family engagement.
• Symbols:
  • Open Book: Represents reading and learning, the cornerstone of family literacy.
  • Tree with Books: Symbolizes growth, family roots, and the knowledge that comes from shared reading experiences.
  • Family Silhouettes with Books: Reflects family unity and shared learning, emphasizing the togetherness aspect of family literacy.
• Patterns:
  • Book Stacks or Shelves: Reflect the collection of knowledge and imagination that books provide, encouraging families to explore diverse topics.
  • Heart and Book Icons: Symbolize love for reading and the emotional bond that grows through shared storytelling.
  • Circle Patterns: Represent unity and community, emphasizing family and collective support in literacy efforts.

Most Used Hashtags

• #FamilyLiteracyMonth
• #ReadTogether
• #FamilyReading
• #LoveOfLearning
• #RaiseAReader

How to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month

• Read Together as a Family: Set aside time each day to read with your children. Choose family-friendly books, allowing each family member to pick a story that interests them.
• Visit Your Local Library: Make a library visit a family activity. Libraries often host special events and story hours during Family Literacy Month, offering a range of books and activities for all ages.
• Participate in Reading Challenges: Join a reading challenge as a family or create your own, setting a goal to read a certain number of books or pages together throughout the month.
• Start a Family Book Club: Choose a book to read as a family and discuss it together. This activity encourages active engagement, listening skills, and a shared love of storytelling.
• Create a Reading-Friendly Environment at Home: Set up a cozy reading nook with plenty of books, comfortable seating, and good lighting to make reading an inviting family activity.

Why is National Family Literacy Month Important?

National Family Literacy Month is essential because it highlights the significant impact that family engagement has on children’s literacy development and lifelong learning. Studies show that children who read with family members develop stronger language skills, better comprehension, and a love for reading that supports their academic and personal success. This observance reminds families of the valuable role they play in nurturing a child’s literacy skills, offering the tools and encouragement needed to build confident readers.

By promoting reading as a shared family experience, National Family Literacy Month fosters a culture of learning, bonding, and curiosity within families. It empowers parents to become active participants in their children’s education and underscores the importance of accessible literacy resources. This month helps cultivate a legacy of learning, making reading a cherished tradition that can enrich family relationships and inspire future generations.