Tuesday's Theory: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day

Today is "World Read Aloud Day."  Take your favorite picture book and celebrate with The Storybook Mom, Meredith Sinclair. 

Where:  The Book Cellar, 4637 N. Lincoln Avenue
When:  7:30 p.m. TONIGHT
Why:    Your admission of $15.00 goes to literacy advocacy nonprofit LitWorld.

Fanciful Friday: Reusable Totes

Carry your books (and everything else) in these affordable reusable totes:

Forever 21 $1.50

Mossimo Supply Co. Gingham Tote at  Target $12.99

Alphabet Letter Tote Bag (available in multiple letters) at Urban Outfitters $20.00

Tuesday's Theory: Being a Reading Mentor Will Improve A Child's Life and Your Own.

Mentoring Programs focused on Reading are a proven success. I have personally participated in two different programs: H.O.S.T.S. and W.I.T.S. I encourage everyone who is able to research whether the local schools have a reading mentoring program and explore whether you would be able to participate. It is amazing how a child with as little as an additional hour of reading each week can increase as much as three reading levels in one school year! Most reading programs are held over the lunch hour, "the power lunch."

Here are a couple of websites that I think explain the programs well and give great tips for establishing your own program.

Everybody Wins: Power Lunch Reading Mentor Information Guide

Teen Trend Setters: HS Students Mentoring Elementary Students

H.O.S.T.S. Example

No programs where you are located?  Think about starting one!!!  It is a wonderful way to involve an entire community.  High school students taking study hall, retired individuals looking to do something meaningful, and professionals needing to escape the office for 45 minutes to 1 hour can all participate and bring success to a student's life!