Ad Council and Library of Congress Join to Promote Literacy
New Public Service Announcements will begin to air that promotes lifelong literacy. The Ad Council in conjunction with the Library of Congress have created a new campaign to attract and foster young readers. The ads are based on classical fiction books such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and are presented with the tag line “Explore New Worlds.” The PSAs are directed to children ages four through six. The videos direct the child to www.Literacy.gov where they can embark on a “series of expeditions through fantasy realms, each inspired by a classic work of children’s fiction.”
As an avid reader personally, there is tremendous pleasure in fostering the love of reading in a child. Last night, my daughter “read” her books to me during storytime. Her rendition, based mostly on memory but some on the pictures, was wonderful. I just need to teach her about caring for her books such as not tossing them on the floor and walking on them. Sigh.
I think this is a fabulous idea, but I’m a bit concerned that the age range being targeted doesn’t match the books being included. My son is seven and quite an advanced reader — yet I think he’s not ready for The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. No, he hasn’t seen the movie and that might make the difference. But how many four-year-olds would be inspired to learn to read by Aslan?