World Read Aloud Day - 4th February 2026

World Read Aloud Day (4th Feb) is a global celebration of the power of stories, voices, and connection. For early childhood services, it’s a perfect opportunity to highlight the joy of reading, nurture language development, and build community through shared storytelling. 

Why Celebrate?

• Language & Literacy Growth: Hearing stories read aloud builds vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination.

• Emotional Connection: Shared reading fosters belonging and empathy.

• Cultural Pride: Stories from diverse backgrounds celebrate identity and inclusion.

• Community Engagement: Families, educators, and children unite around the magic of books.

About World Read Aloud Day 

LitWorld founded World Read Aloud Day® (WRAD) in 2010 to celebrate the power of reading aloud to create community and amplify new stories and to advocate for literacy as a foundational human right. Since then, WRAD has evolved into a global movement of millions of readers, writers, and listeners from across the world coming together to honor the joy and power of reading and continue expanding the definition and scope of global literacy.

Activites For World Read Aloud Day For Early Childhood

Here are some fun and engaging activities for early childhood to celebrate World Read Aloud Day:

1. Story Circle Time: Gather the children in a cozy circle and take turns reading a favorite story aloud. Let each child have a chance to be the storyteller.

2. Character Dress-Up: Encourage the children to come dressed as their favorite book characters. The classroom will transform into a magical land of literary wonders!

3. Mystery Readers: Invite surprise guest readers—parents, school staff, or even local community members—to join the fun. Keep their identity a secret until they arrive to read a story.

4. Reader’s Theater: Turn your classroom into a mini-theater! Choose a short story, assign characters to the children, and let them bring the tale to life through dramatic readings.

5. Bookmarks Bonanza: Get crafty by having the children create their own personalized bookmarks. Provide art supplies, stickers, and more.

6. Reading Picnic: Take the reading adventure outdoors! Set up a cozy reading corner with blankets and pillows. Let the children choose their favorite books and enjoy a reading picnic.

7. Author Spotlight: Highlight a favourite author or explore books from different cultures. Share fun facts about the author and delve into their literary world.

8. Pajama Party Reading: Who doesn’t love a good pajama party? Encourage the children to wear their comfiest PJs for a day of relaxed reading.

9. Educator Story Swap: Staff rotate rooms to share their favourite childhood books.

10. Children as Storytellers: Encourage older children to read aloud to younger peers.

11. Multilingual Moments: Share stories in home languages to celebrate diversity.

12. Big Book Picnic: Take stories outdoors with blankets and cushions.

13. Story Drama: Act out favourite tales with props or puppets.

14. Story Stones: Paint simple images (castle, dragon, tree) to spark oral storytelling.

15. Illustration Station: Children draw their favourite scene after listening.

16. Story Soundscapes: Add sound effects with instruments or everyday objects.

17. Story Retelling Challenge: Children retell a story in their own words or through play.

18. Book Swap Table: Encourage children to bring a book to swap with peers.

Resources For World Read Aloud Day