Read Across America Week is a wonderful opportunity for child care centers to celebrate literacy and foster a love of reading in young children. By incorporating daily themes, you can make reading fun, engaging, and interactive for all ages. Here are five creative themes your child care center can use to inspire young readers throughout the week.
Monday: Silly Hat Day
Kick off the week with a fun-filled “Silly Hat Day” inspired by Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat. Encourage children and staff to wear their most creative and wacky hats while reading stories about adventure and imagination. You can decorate your reading corner with books featuring fun and whimsical characters and let children choose their favorites to read aloud. You can find many online activities to go along with the book and expand the lesson throughout the day.
Tuesday: Pajama Day and Bedtime Stories
Nothing says cozy reading time like a pajama day! Have your students wear their favorite pajamas and bring a stuffed animal for a day filled with bedtime stories. Set up a storytelling session with soft lighting and blankets. Ask your students to bring their favorite bedtime story or pre-select options like Goodnight Moon or Llama Llama Red Pajama. This is a great way to help children associate reading with comfort and relaxation.
Wednesday: Favorite Book Character Dress-Up
Let your students’ imaginations run wild by inviting them to dress as their favorite book character. Whether it’s Pete the Cat, Fancy Nancy, or Curious George, this theme allows children to celebrate their beloved stories in a fun, interactive way. Pair this with a character parade and read-aloud sessions featuring books that match their costumes.
Thursday: Multicultural Storytime
Celebrate diversity in literature by dedicating the day to multicultural stories from around the world. Choose books that highlight different cultures, traditions, and languages to introduce children to global perspectives. Consider inviting a guest reader, such as a parent or community member, to read a story in a different language or share a folktale from their culture.
Friday: Read and Move Day
End the week with an active reading experience. Select books that incorporate movement, such as From Head to Toe or We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. Encourage your students to act out the stories as they are being read, promoting both literacy and physical activity. You can also set up reading stations with movement-based activities to keep the energy high.
By incorporating these fun and engaging daily activities, your child care center can make Read Across America Week a memorable experience for young learners. Encouraging children to dress up, interact with stories, and explore new books will help instill a lifelong love of reading.
