Each year, schools across the country celebrate National Education Association’s Read Across America initiative — a nationwide effort to inspire students to discover the joy of reading. This celebration encourages classrooms and communities to come together around books and stories that spark imagination and support student growth.
While Read Across America is often celebrated in early March, the mission extends far beyond a single day. Encouraging students to read regularly helps build confidence, curiosity, and skills that last a lifetime.
At ESS, we know that every adult in the classroom plays an important role in supporting literacy, including substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. Even one positive reading experience can help a student develop a stronger connection to books.
Why Reading Matters
Reading helps students grow academically and personally. When students engage with books, they develop important skills that support success both in and out of the classroom.
Reading helps students:
- Strengthen communication skills
- Build vocabulary and comprehension
- Improve reading fluency and expression
- Develop imagination and creativity
- Gain new perspectives
- Grow confidence as learners
Creating positive reading experiences helps students see reading as something positive.
How Substitute Teachers Can Participate
Substitute teachers have a unique opportunity to make reading fun and engaging, even during a single school day. Simple activities can leave a lasting impression on students.
Substitutes can support positive reading experiences by:
Reading aloud to the class
A short read-aloud can create excitement and bring stories to life for students of all ages.
Encouraging student participation
Ask students to share their favorite books or characters and talk about why they enjoy them.
Building reading time into the day
If classroom schedules allow, quiet reading time gives students a chance to explore books independently.
Connecting reading to creativity
Students can draw their favorite scene, write an alternate ending, or create character trading cards based on characters they connect with.
Small Moments Make a Big Impact
Substitute teachers help keep learning moving forward, and literacy is an important part of that mission. Taking time to share a story or encourage reading can make a meaningful difference for students.
A single book can inspire curiosity, spark imagination, and help students see themselves as readers.
This Read Across America season, consider bringing a favorite story into the classroom. The impact of reading can last far beyond the school day. Sometimes all it takes is one book to help a student fall in love with reading.
Looking to make an even bigger impact in the classroom? Join our team at ESS by applying to become a substitute teacher or paraprofessional today. Visit ESS.com and begin making a meaningful impact in classrooms when and where you’re needed most.