“Thank you again for making reading fun, exciting and special to so many children and for helping teachers and parents pass along your enthusiasm and ideas.”

–Sandy Lattemore, Library Assistant, Richvale Elementary School, Richvale, CA

Family reading events offer special challenges and rewards! The audience may range from toddlers to grandparents. And parents may vary widely in background. I take pride in connecting with elementary school families with the message that reading time is family time, and  reading at home has a profound effect on the success of students at school and beyond. At Bilingual Family Reading events, I present in English, Spanish or both at the same time. In other Family Reading settings, I may draw on my deep experience with Asian cultures.

My Family events differ from my daytime assemblies but are every bit as fun and interactive. At Family events I share practical tips to promote reading and validate the efforts of parents. Bits of drumming and storytelling keep audiences on their toes! I also adjust the presentations to suit parents’ backgrounds, from mainly professional to those new to literacy.

A typical Family Reading event talk (bilingual or not) runs 40 minutes. I also sign books and greet families after the talk.

Often, schools use Title I funds to pay for these events. Serving dessert or a simple dinner such as pizza usually entices more families to attend. When funding for learning materials permits, some schools distribute my award-winning family literacy book, Give the Gift! 10 Fulfilling Ways to Raise a Lifetime Reader. Others distribute my 8-page booklets, “5 Fun Tips to Raise a Lifetime Reader” and the Spanish edition, “5 maneras divertidas de hacer que su niño/a lea para siempre.”

For more ideas on making your Family Reading event  a success, please see my article, Boosting Attendance to Family Reading Nights at School.

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