How to Plan a Family Literacy Night at School

Planning a Family Literacy Night at your elementary school is a great way to encourage families to read together. It is important for kids and parents to see that books should be read for enjoyment, not just for learning. With a bit of planning, some helpful volunteers, enthusiastic families and a bunch of books, you can create a Family Literacy Night that will encourage families to celebrate the joy of reading.

Things You'll Need

• Craft supplies for literacy stations
• Door prizes

Instructions

1. Create a theme for Family Literacy Night. You can call your special event something like "Wild About Books" or "Book Bonanza." Schedule an evening for the program to take place. Send letters home to parents advertising the upcoming Family Literacy Night. You can also get permission from your principal to advertise it on the sign outside of the school.

2. Ask local celebrities or your principal to read a book to the students. See if the local children's librarian can come to read stories to your families. Many public librarians will jump at the chance to do outreach at your school. They often bring free bookmarks and other fun goodies for the kids.

3. Try to book an author for the event. This can be expensive, so you'll need to approach the PTA or win a grant in order to afford flying in an author. If you know of a local children's author who can visit free of charge, this is even better. You can even allow her to sell her books at the event and do an autograph signing to make it more worth her while.

4. Devise crafts that have to do with literacy. For example, you can set up several stations that families can visit. You can have a bookmark-making station, a make-your-own-book station and a book-trivia game station. These are just a few examples of activities you can provide for your students and their families.

5. Give away door prizes to those who attend. Ask your local bookstore to donate inexpensive paperback books or gift card certificates to the winners. Even a $10 gift card would make a fantastic prize.

6. Provide light refreshments to the families who attend. Something as simple as cookies and juice is all you need. For healthier fare, try fresh fruits, small bottles of water and yogurt.

Tips & Warnings

• To make the planning less stressful, organize a committee to help you carry out the event.

• Contact local business to donate prizes for Family Literacy Night.

• Send a press release to the local newspaper to tell your city about the Family Literacy Night. This will bring positive attention to your school and make the principal happy.

• Ask a volunteer to take photos of the event so you can include it in the school newsletter or post it to the school website.

Resources

• Visit PTO Today for more ideas on how to plan a Family Reading Night