Children Benefit from Georgia Reads Aloud Day

ATLANTA, (May 3, 2005) – More than 15,100 books were read to Georgia’s children on the first Georgia Reads Aloud Day sponsored by Bright from the Start, Georgia’s Department of Early Care and Learning. Georgia Reads Aloud Day, observed on April 20, was just one of the state’s activities celebrating the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), a nationwide celebration honoring children from birth through age eight.

   Parents, schools and early care providers were encouraged to read books to their infants, toddlers, preschool, and Pre-K students and then report the number of books read to Bright from the Start. Hundreds of sites around the state, including individual families, churches, and Georgia’s Pre-K providers, participated by reading to the tens of thousands of children in their care.

   “Reading is one of the most effective and beneficial ways to honor and celebrate children,” according to Marsha H. Moore, Commissioner of Bright from the Start. “Governor and Mrs. Sonny Perdue have challenged all families in Georgia to make story time a special part of their daily activities. That’s why Bright from the Start initiated Georgia Reads Aloud Day, and we appreciate everyone who made it so successful.”

   For a list of recommended books to read to your child or to learn more about the state’s early care and education programs, visit Bright from the Start’s website at www.decal.state.ga.us.