Young children who are read to in languages they understand, perform better in school and develop better memories, stronger vocabularies and comprehension skills.

This is the belief of Ben Rycroft, the head of communications and content at the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for ‘here’s the story’).

Each year for World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) on February 1, Nal’ibali provides a great read that is available to all South Africans, for free.

This year, the goal is to read aloud to three million children and Rycroft says they will again focus nationally on encouraging families to pledge to read aloud.

“There will be a strong community outreach component, brought to life by our community projects that have a strong home-visit focus. As always, this will be a collaborative effort with the Department of Basic Education, the National Education Collaboration Trust and other key partners.”

Why should you read aloud?

Rycroft explains there are many benefits to reading aloud to young children and babies. These include better comprehension skills and memories, as well as developing a stronger vocabulary. As a result, a child who is read to in a language they understand tends to perform better in school.

When you enjoy a story with your children every day, it:

• Shows them that you value books and understand the importance of reading
• Shows them that reading is an enjoyable and rewarding activity
• Shows them how books work
• Gives you things to talk about as a family
• Builds a strong bond between you
• Allows them to enjoy stories they can’t yet read on their own.

It is so easy to make storytelling a part of your every day. Make time when the family's together like over a meal to tell stories. For storytelling tips: https://t.co/es55FUHtaP . What your family's favourite time for reading and storytelling? #Nalibali pic.twitter.com/wT1Hba0Txr

— Nal'ibali (@nalibaliSA) January 12, 2023

The importance of reading cannot be stressed enough. After all, ‘reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible’.

Rycroft says the beauty of stories is that they can be shared anytime, anywhere. Building a story routine in the home helps children adopt the habit of reading… and it’s fun!

Nal’ibali encourages children and caregivers, wherever they may find themselves on February 1, to start or keep going with their reading routine with this year’s story – Every day’s a story.

A real page-turner

The story was written by Tumisang Shongwe, who is fondly known as Miss T. She is a children’s author and literacy advocate who is passionate about writing short stories that are inclusive of all South African cultures and identities.

The author of Naledi’s New Look, Shongololo and Meerkat Magic enjoys reading to children and says: “It’s the sparkle in their eyes and their challenging questions that I enjoy most about reading and sharing stories with them.”

A special reading by Shongwe of the story will be held live in English on the Nal’ibali Facebook page at 17:00 on World Read Aloud Day. The story is also available in all 11 official languages and braille and can be downloaded from Nal’ibali’s website.

“To ensure children benefit from the simple power of stories and join in the nationwide celebration, there is a short guide for caregivers on how to share the official WRAD story with young children. The guide is also available on the website in seven official languages,” Rycroft adds.

How to get involved?

Visit www.nalibali.org/wrad2023 or WhatsApp ‘WRAD’ to 060 044 2254 to make your pledge and get the free official story in your language. Share photos of your read-aloud sessions online using the hashtag #MyWRAD2023.

To participate in the global WRAD-a-thon go to www.litword.org/worldreadalouday or www.scholasticcom/worldreadaloudday.

Let’s reach 3 million children this World Read Aloud Day. Make your pledge at https://t.co/SHwFEgWZ21 OR WhatsApp the word "WRAD" to 0600 44 2254 + download the free special story in your language. #myWRAD2023 pic.twitter.com/NNDD97gPXL

— Nal'ibali (@nalibaliSA) January 17, 2023

Besides the pledges, story cards, regional activities and events, Nal’ibali will also issue a 16-page edition of its bilingual reading-for-enjoyment newspaper supplement, which will contain the special story.