EEW Magazine Online // Literacy // Causes

Empowering Everyday Women, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, just celebrated its successful 2019 Christmas Book Drive to give children the gift of literacy.

While reading plays an important role in academic performance, it is also an essential life skill. Literacy and effective communication go hand-in-hand, and inspiring a child to embrace reading and writing can help open a world of opportunity.

To help EEW Magazine Online readers see the importance of literacy, here are tips to develop a child’s love of reading.

Make literacy a gift they'll treasure. Few kids remember what toys they received or when, but many have special memories of the books they read as children. Whether you gift a book that's a classic childhood favorite, a story that held special meaning for you or even a book dedicated to today's popular characters, encouraging reading is a gift that can keep giving for a lifetime.

Do business where literacy is a priority. You can show your support for literacy by supporting organizations like Empowering Everyday Women that not only support the cause of literacy but also offer opportunities for the community to get involved. For example, Empowering Everyday Women provides direct access to books and educational resources to the nation's most economically disadvantaged children. Thanks in part to community contributions, thousands of books have been given to children around the world, and free literacy training has been offered.

Plant seeds of interest. Kids are most likely to embrace reading when the topics they're reading about capture their attention. Whether it's comic books or chapter books, there's no right or wrong source of reading material. If you're not sure where to start, consider introducing books that come in a set or series. Once your children find a favorite, they'll likely be eager to read additional books that take their favorite characters on new and exciting adventures.

Make reading a rewarding part of your routine. Encourage reading as part of your family's everyday schedule. Wind down with a book at bedtime, or make story time together a reward for good behavior. When you visit the store, make a visit to the book aisle just as exciting as a trip to the toy department.

Attend events that celebrate literacy. Each year, Empowering Everyday Women hosts free events for its LiteracyLinks™ Program. The organization, which is founded by award-winning writer and philanthropist Dianna Hobbs, trains parents in disadvantaged communities and equips them to raise strong readers and future leaders.

For more information about Empowering Everyday Women or to make a contribution to the organization, visit EmpoweringEverydayWomen.org.