What are your New Year’s resolutions?

January. There’s something special about this month. Everyone is excited about the new year and the new possibilities

Many of us decide to face the new year head-on with resolutions about “being better.” The ole “organize my closet with color codes,” “eat a balanced diet,” and “give our children every chance for great futures.”

Whew! All of those are wonderful…and a lot of work!

Now that we are approaching the middle of January, how many of us have already started to slip a little? Maybe not too bad, but a little?

It takes a lot of repetition and patience to change habits.

Does all this have something to do with reading?
Of course! Let me explain…

With all great habits, we must understand
1) What do I need?
2) How can I do this?
3) Why is this so important?

1) What do I need?
Books! We need all kinds. Imagination Library books to the rescue! We are so thankful for all the books that are filling your homes! And for the ones you share through Little Free Libraries and Story Walk at the Parks. Click here to find the Story Walk or Little Free Library closest to you. Want to register your children to receive monthly, free books through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library? Click here.

2) How can I do this?
Read! “Getting” our Imagination Library books is just the start. Now it’s time to build a foundation of learning with those books. Read with your little one everyday. It will add up over time. Please look through the Infographic below.

3) Why is this so important?
Think about this:
Children who grow up in homes that have at least 20 books get on average three more years of schooling than students from bookless homes.

So it’s time for me to “come clean.”
No color coding in the closet, but most of my things are off the floor. (WIN)
No balanced diet per se, but I am eating more broccoli. (WIN)
Not exactly reading aloud everyday; my kiddos are grown. But with my grandbabies, I do read with them every time I see them. (HUGE WIN!)

Let’s work hard to make our resolution to read daily with our children a real habit.

Happy Reading!

Lisa Davis, Early Literacy Coordinator

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