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3.01.2025

Celebrating Reading Awareness Month in Nevada: A Guide for Families with Young Children

Why Reading Matters for Young Children

The early years of a child’s life are the most critical for brain development, and reading plays a significant role in shaping a child’s future. Research has shown that children who are read to regularly develop stronger language skills, higher cognitive abilities, and a greater capacity for imagination.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of reading to young children:

1. Language Skills: Reading aloud to children helps them build vocabulary and understand sentence structure. By hearing words and phrases used in context, children begin to understand how language works, which lays the foundation for reading and writing skills later in life.
2. Cognitive Development: Books help children think critically and explore new ideas. They also provide opportunities for children to connect what they’re reading to their everyday lives, helping them understand the world around them.
3. Emotional Growth: Through reading, children learn about emotions, social relationships, and different perspectives. Stories can help children process their feelings and teach empathy as they relate to the characters in the books.
4. Academic Success: Studies have consistently shown that children who are exposed to books and are read to regularly perform better in school. They tend to have a higher level of academic achievement throughout their educational journey.

For families in Nevada, Reading Awareness Month is an excellent reminder to prioritize reading and to take advantage of community resources and events designed to support early literacy.

How Families Can Celebrate Reading Awareness Month in Nevada

Reading Awareness Month is not just about acknowledging the importance of reading, it’s about creating opportunities for families to actively engage in reading activities. Here are some fun and creative ways families can celebrate this special month together:

1. Attend Local Library Events

Public libraries across Nevada host a variety of events throughout March to celebrate Reading Awareness Month. Libraries are one of the best resources for promoting early literacy and offer a wealth of free programs for young children.

• Storytime Sessions: Many libraries offer weekly storytime sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. These sessions often include reading books aloud, singing songs, and engaging children in interactive activities to help them build listening and language skills.
• Reading Challenges: Some libraries host reading challenges or book clubs where children are encouraged to read a set number of books during the month. These challenges often come with rewards or prizes to motivate young readers.
• Author Visits: Nevada libraries may host visits from local authors or storytellers. These events allow children to hear books read aloud and ask questions about the process of writing and creating stories.

Check out the First 5 Nevada Library Resources page to find your local library for a full schedule of events and activities available in your area.

2. Start a Daily Reading Routine

One of the most effective ways to foster a love of reading is to make it a part of your family’s daily routine. For young children, it’s beneficial to set aside a special time each day to read together. Here are a few tips for creating a successful reading routine:

• Consistency is Key: Aim to read with your child at the same time each day, whether it’s before bedtime or after breakfast. A predictable routine helps children understand the importance of reading.
• Create a Cozy Reading Space: Designate a cozy corner in your home with pillows, blankets, and a bookshelf filled with age-appropriate books. This space can make reading feel like a special and enjoyable activity.
• Make it Interactive: Engage your child in the story by asking questions, making sound effects, or encouraging them to point to pictures and talk about what’s happening in the book. The more interactive you make reading, the more your child will enjoy it.

3. Visit Local Bookstores

Nevada is home to many independent bookstores, and March is the perfect time to explore them. Some bookstores host author readings, special discounts, or events in honor of Reading Awareness Month. Here’s how you can make the most of a bookstore visit:

• Explore Local Titles: Many Nevada authors write children’s books that reflect local culture, history, and landscapes. Pick up books that feature local themes to introduce your child to Nevada’s unique heritage.
• Ask About Book Recommendations: Staff at independent bookstores are often well-versed in children’s literature. Ask them for book recommendations that are suitable for your child’s age group and interests.
• Participate in Special Events: Some bookstores offer events like craft workshops, book signings, or storytelling sessions. These events provide an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

4. Introduce a Variety of Books

It’s important to introduce young children to a wide variety of books. Reading a diverse range of stories helps children develop different skills and promotes their understanding of the world around them.

Here are some types of books to incorporate into your reading sessions:

• Board Books: For babies and toddlers, board books with colorful pictures and simple text are a great way to start. These books are durable and easy for young children to handle.
• Interactive Books: Books with flaps to lift, textures to feel, or buttons to press engage young children in a sensory way and make reading more fun.
• Storybooks and Picture Books: As children grow, picture books with more detailed stories help develop their imagination and language skills.
• Books about Nevada: Consider introducing your child to books that highlight Nevada’s landmarks, wildlife, and culture. These books can spark your child’s interest in the state and its history. Here are a few books to check out:
• Good Night Nevada: A board book by Adam Gamble, Mark Jasper and Joe Veno 
• Good Night Tahoe: A board book by Kevin Sullivan 
• Night-Night Nevada: A board book for toddlers and children by Katherine Sully and Helen Poole 
• Hello, Las Vegas!: A board book by Martha Day Zschock 

5. Explore Early Literacy Resources in Nevada

There are several programs in Nevada dedicated to promoting early literacy and supporting families with young children. These programs are great ways to enrich your child’s reading experience:

• 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten: Set a goal of reading at least 1,000 books to your child before they start kindergarten! This national program is supported by local organizations in Nevada, including several local library districts. 
• Nevada Reading Week: In March, Nevada schools and libraries often participate in Nevada Reading Week, a statewide event that celebrates reading through themed activities, guest speakers, and more. Schools may have read-aloud sessions, book fairs, and contests to motivate students to read.
• Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: This nationwide program provides free books to children from birth to age 5. Families in Northern Nevada can enroll their children to receive a new book each month, helping to build a personal library and encourage a love of reading.
• Readers in Training – Spread the Word Nevada: This program provides parents/guardians and their children from birth up to age 5 years with books and early literacy resources.

Book recommendations from the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Association:

Each month, the Nevada Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Association newsletter includes a list of recommended books for children, families and professionals that highlight issues impacting young children’s mental and behavioral health. Below is a list of some of their book recommendations. To get more information, visit their website at https://nvaiecmh.org/parents-caregivers/. 

	HOLDIN’ POTT By Chandra Ippen This story follows the journey of a young boy who discovers the power of holding onto his emotions. He learns to navigate his feelings of anger, sadness, and joy with the help of his friends and family. This book explores valuable lessons about the importance of embracing and expressing our emotions in a healthy and positive way.
	My Brother Charlie  by Holly Robinson Peete  From bestselling author and actress Holly Robinson Peete, this heartwarming story is based on Holly's son. It provides a valuable perspective on the experiences of individuals with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and their families, promoting acceptance, understanding, and compassion. The author also shares her family’s personal journey with autism and offers resources for further reading and support.
	All My Stripes  by Shaine Rudolph & Danielle Royer  A helpful story for kids with autism spectrum disorders as they follow a young zebra who learns to understand how he is different from the rest of his classmates. It provides a glimpse into a day in the life of a young, smart, caring, honest, and curious zebra named Zane.
	be brave little one  by Marianne Richmond  "Be Brave Little One" is a simple rhyming story that encourages children to find the bravery in every day actions - from expressing your feelings to making someone feel welcome; from trying new things, to being brave to admit when those new things just haven't worked out.

Reading Awareness Month in March serves as a reminder to all of us about the power of reading and how it shapes a child's future. For families in Nevada, this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading, attend local events, and engage in activities that support early literacy.

By making reading a part of your family’s daily routine and taking advantage of local resources, you are helping to build a strong foundation for your child’s education and emotional growth. Remember that every story you read together is not just an opportunity to teach words but to nurture imagination, curiosity, and empathy in your child.

So, this March, take a moment to celebrate Reading Awareness Month by opening a book, reading aloud, and sharing the joy of storytelling with the children in your life. It’s an investment that will pay off for years to come.