Literacy Initiatives
Here at ELCFV, we are always looking for ways to promote emergent literacy skills in Flagler and Volusia Counties.
Sharing books with children as early as possible is imperative to their future success. Reading with your child is one of the best ways to stimulate brain development and build motivation for reading along with a sense of curiosity and memory. Studies have shown children with access to high-quality books and early education programs enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed.
There are several ways we assist providers in fostering emergent literacy skills.
World Read Aloud Day (WRAD)
Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day® (WRAD) in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud in creating community and amplifying new stories, and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right.
Why do we celebrate?
Reading aloud at home and at school is one of the best ways to help children develop literacy skills.
Reading aloud helps us share stories.
Reading aloud helps us build community.
Read Across America is a nationwide celebration that promotes the joy and importance of reading for children of all ages.
The initiative was launched by the National Education Association in 1998 and is traditionally celebrated on March 2 to honor the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. By connecting literacy with a fun and familiar figure, it encourages students, families, and communities to come together through read-alouds, themed activities, guest readers, and special events that make reading exciting and meaningful.
Read Across America Day
Monday, March 2nd, 2026
Friday, March 20th, 2026
This day is celebrated annually on March 20 to honor Fred Rogers and promote kindness and community.
Spread kindness right where you live!
Honoring his legacy of helping children and their families to treat everyone with respect and find beauty all around, we will create some beautiful art and messages of kindness and inspiration again this year using chalk to spread love!
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!
January 26-30, 2026
Each year, the Just Read, Florida! Office and the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), in partnership with other FDOE offices, the Office of Early Learning (OEL), school districts, early learning coalitions and numerous other state agencies, announce the annual statewide Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!
This year’s theme, “Read, White and Blue: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America,” honors the nation’s rich literary and historical heritage as we mark 250 years of American stories and voices. On January 28th we plan to have a scheduled read aloud at precisely 10AM.
(Please remember to share photo’s and testimonials with us).
Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida is designed to raise awareness about the importance of reading and to inspire Florida’s children and families to make reading part of their daily routines. Providers across the state will read the same book at the same time to spread the love of literacy and stimulate language and cognitive skills.
Select the approproiate age range button below for activities you can do with you children, they include:
Infant/Toddler Book Activities: Parade Colors By: Barbara Barbier
Pre-K Book Activities: What is America By: Michelle Medlock Adams
Read for the Record
Jumpstart’s 20th Annual Read for the Record Day will be celebrated on Thursday, February 26th, 2026
To mark its 20th anniversary, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record will evolve into a 20-week celebration, bringing together educators, families, children, authors, and others to explore and celebrate its rich literary legacy. The celebration kicked off on October 13, 2025, and conclude with the annual Read for the Record Day on February 26, 2026.
OFFICIAL BOOK SELECTION
See Marcus Grow
Written by Marcus Bridgewater
Illustrated by Reggie Brown
See Marcus Grow is a lively picture book that invites young readers to discover the joys of gardening while highlighting themes of curiosity, exploration, care, and growth. In the story, a young boy named Marcus learns valuable lessons as he spends time gardening with his grandmother.