Teach What You Know

    My family recently wondered what I would ever do with an English degree. One of many things I’ve done is mentor a student in grammar and hopefully foster a love of reading, the benefits of which will last a lifetime. Check out the vast array of opportunities to teach and to learn at teachforamerica.org.

Stories Are Not Just for Bedtime

    Read a child a story. Introducing children to the world of books while they’re young will help boost their imagination and intelligence (and will also strengthen your bond). Whether you are babysitting, reading to your own child, or volunteering at a library or hospital, this deed goes a long way.

A Book Can Change Your Life

    Give someone a copy of a book that has helped or influenced you- it may have a similar effect on them. I actually keep a stock of books that I love on hand to do just that and have recently gifted a few copies of The Power Of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Give it a read.

Use Your Words

    I read all the time as a child, and by that I mean every minute I wasn’t at school, doing chores or homework, or sleeping, I had the cover of a book open. I developed a love of language that has lasted me a lifetime.I notice that it brings joy to others when they hear an interesting or pretty word. So try flipping through a dictionary every day and pick a word. Use this word at least once in the same day. This will help expand your vocabulary and communicate better with others. If you have a smartphone, download a free word-of-the-day app instead of using a dictionary. Help feed a child by adding a definition to the Online Dictionary on definition-of.com.

Fighting Illiteracy One Book at a Time

    I keep seeing these charming itty bitty libraries in my neighborhood, where you can take a book or give one in return. Some are plain serviceable boxes somewhat like a birdhouse for books and some are very ornate, not unlike something you might find in the upscale section of the Shire. The organization Little Free Library (LittleFreeLibrary.org) describes their mission this way: 

    It’s a “take a book, return a book” gathering place where neighbors share their favorite literature and stories. In its most basic form, a Little Free Library is a box full of books where anyone may stop by and pick up a book (or two) and bring back another book to share. You can, too!

Pass on the Pleasure of Reading

    Drop off your old magazines at a retirement home, hospice, or any other place where the residents or patients may enjoy them. At my place of work, we get large-print copies of our books sent in multiples, so we keep one for our library, send one to the author, and share the others with our local retirement home. An elder Beat poet lives in the El Cerrito village for seniors, so I can drop off a collection of magazines and large-print books and then sit down for tea and a nice chat. I leave having received much more than I brought with me.

Each One, Teach One

    Spread around a love of literature, books, and writing! Many children and some adults struggle when it comes to reading. Look into volunteering for adult literacy classes or reading to the elderly at a retirement home at proliteracy.org, an organization with an amazing legacy: Laubach Literacy International’s history began in 1930, when Dr Frank C. Laubach was a missionary among the Maranao people of the Philippines. His concerns about their poor living conditions led him to conclude that the ability to read and write was essential for them to begin to solve their problems. As the Maranaos learned to read, they would, in turn, teach other adults on a one-on-one basis that became known as “Each One, Teach One.” From 1935 to 1967, Dr Laubach visited 105 countries, answering calls for literacy help and creating reading lessons in 315 languages.

Book ‘Em

    

Give a book to someone out of the blue. Consider their interests and buy them a book. Recently, one of my friends said she wanted to cook more at home instead of eating out most nights. I got her two cookbooks on one-pot meals and slow cooker recipes. Much to my surprise and delight, she’s been sharing some delicious soups and stews she discovered in her reading, and sharing these makes for truly high-quality time together.

Lit Love

    Very child should learn to expand their mind through the wide world of literature. The fine folks at Books for Kids (booksforkids.org) have a love of reading and helped disadvantaged families collect libraries at home. You can make that happen, one kid and one book at a time. Pick out some of your favorites that you loved as a child and get in on the fun.

Stories Are Not Just for Bedtime

    Read a child a story. Introducing children to the world of books while they're young will help boost their imagination and intelligence (and will also strengthen your bond). Whether you are babysitting, reading to your own child, or volunteering at a library or hospital, this deed goes a long way.

A Book Can Change Your Life

    Give someone a copy of a book that has helped or influenced you- it may have a similar effect on them. I actually keep a stock of books that I love on hand to do just that and have recently gifted a few copies of The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. Give it a read.

Use Your Words

    I read all the time as a child, and by that I mean every minute I wasn't at school, doing chores or homework, or sleeping, I had the cover of a book open. I developed a love of language that has lasted me a lifetime. I noticed that it brings joy to others when they hear an interesting or pretty word. So try flipping through a dictionary every day and pick a word. Use this word at least once in the same day. This will help expand your vocabulary and communicate better with others. If you have a smartphone, download a free word-of-the-day app instead of using a dictionary. Help feed a child by adding a definition to the Online Dictionary on definition-of.com.

Teach What You Know

My family recently wondered what I would ever do with an English degree. One of the many things I've done is mentor a student in grammar and hopefully foster a love of reading, the benefits of which will last a lifetime. Check out the vast array of opportunities to teach and learn at teachforamerica.org.