To celebrate International Children’s Book Day on April 2, Book Trust hosted a LinkedIn Live event titled “Why Sparking Joyful Reading Experiences for Students Matters.”
Book Trust President and CEO Patience Peabody and Vice President of Program Alli Lee discussed the work being done to spark joyful reading experiences for students nationwide.
“When students have access to books they see themselves in—and have repeated and intentional joy-filled engagements with those books—they are more confident readers and they make positive connections to the act reading,” said Patience. “That really is the future of our work programmatically.”
Alli emphasized the impact of joy for readers of all levels. “A kid might be working hard on basic phonics skills but still have the opportunity to experience that thrill of ownership when they get to choose the book that speaks to them.”
Moderated by Vice President of Development Ben Reuler, the 30-minute conversation also kicked off the organization’s spring giving campaign.
Ben encouraged viewers to reflect on the people who inspired their love of books and to become Reading Heroes by fundraising for Book Trust or making a donation. The campaign runs through Teacher Appreciation Week in May.
“We have national reach, but the work in schools is local and we need a grassroots movement to support it,” said Patience. “Please help us spread the word and consider donating to support Book Trust if you can.”
Watch the full conversation here and fundraise or make a donation here.
