(NAPSA)—Studies show that families that actively support their children by reading with them, helping with their homework and participating in school and other learning pursuits will enhance and enrich their children’s lives tremendously. Kiwanis International, a volunteer organization dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time, embraces this belief by coordinating the Read Around the World service program, which aims to demonstrate the significance of learning to read. Kiwanis believes that every child who learns to read and is encouraged to read by family and friends will be positively affected in school and in life. Reading develops a child’s confidence and enjoyment oflife. Motivating chil- dren to understand the power of reading opens the door toall of the knowledge of the world. “We recognize the importance of developing strong reading skills in children,” said Steve Siemens, Kiwanis International president. “By encouraging them to embark on the journey of reading, our children will become more knowledgeable about the world around them.” The following are a few ways parents can increase their chil- dren’s excitement about reading: Hold a book party Sponsor a read-in Stage a make-a-book day Increase a child’s access to books Visit a library Set up reading incentives Now in its fifth year, the Read Around the World program, sup- ported by Kiwanis Clubs, Circle K Clubs and Key Clubs, celebrates the joys of reading with children. Kiwanians motivate and inspire children to read by participating in reading activities, providing increased access to books and by continuously encouraging them to read for education and for pleasure. For more information about the Read Around the World program or for further details on activities that parents can use to encourage reading in their families, visit www.kiwanis.org.
