World Read Aloud Day 2026: Celebrating Learning Through Shared Stories

The world read aloud day 2026 invited the world to “Celebrate Learning” by recognizing that reading aloud is a powerful way for children to acquire, deepen, and apply knowledge.

At NABU this is reflected in how we design our everyday activities and stories. For us reading out aloud is not only about building literacy, it is about expanding understanding, strengthening curiosity, and helping children learn in ways that feel inclusive, relevant and close to them.

Why Reading Aloud is Central to Learning

Reading aloud is one of the most powerful ways to help children learn. From building early language skills to strengthening focus, memory, and comprehension, shared storytelling supports children’s development long before they begin to read on their own. Through stories, children are exposed to new words, ideas, and emotions, helping them make sense of the world around them.

According to UNICEF, just 10 to 15 minutes a day of reading a book with a child is enough to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning that can last a lifetime. These small, consistent moments of shared reading lay the foundation for strong literacy skills and lifelong learning habits.

Research from the World Economic Forum shows that children’s early spoken vocabulary is strongly associated with later academic achievement, including improved reading and mathematics outcomes, as well as stronger self regulation skills.

Practical Tips for Effective Reading Aloud

Research shows that interactive reading aloud, where children ask and answer questions about the story significantly enhances comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

Below are some practical tips to make your next read aloud interactive:

• Start with what interests them: e.g. Look for books about animals, space, cooking etc
• Repeat the Story: Encourage retelling of certain parts of the story to boost reflection.
• Approach big vocabulary in small ways: When you find complex words, explain them in a child friendly language to build their vocabulary without frustration.
• Ask Analytical Questions: e.g.
  “I think the character is sad because he looks quiet and upset. How do you think he’s feeling?”

Reading Aloud in Action: NABU’s Work Over the Past Year

During Read Aloud Week 2026, NABU visited Maisha Yangu, a community based organization working with children and youth in Nairobi’s informal settlements through art and education. Together we read the Dance of Courage, the story of Sam, a young boy in Kenya with a passion for dance and unwavering determination. Alongside his friend Kaweria , Sam sets out to compete in a local dance contest where he faces challenges that test him.

By reading together the children were able to explore themes of bravery, friendship, perseverance, and following one’s dream.

Over the past year NABU and BAL came together to bring reading aloud across Morocco, Senegal, Rwanda and South Africa. At the heart of this campaign was The Big and Magical Games, a children's book that blends sport, storytelling and learning. The book which is written in 5 languages (English, French, Wolof, Kinyarwanda and isiZulu reflects NABU’s belief that children learn best when stories are shared in the languages they understand and speak at home.

At NABU, we are committed to making reading aloud accessible, culturally relevant, engaging, and fun for all children. Our Web Reader and NABU app provide free, child-friendly stories that are designed for parents, and teachers touse to practice interactive reading aloud at home or in the classroom. In addition, our YouTube channel, ‘Read With NABU,’ brings stories to life through animated versions of our bilingual storybooks in both mother tongues and official languages.

While the World Read Aloud Day is celebrated once every year, the power of shared stories and the impact of reading aloud should continue every day. The lessons learned on this day can help shape a child's learning journey for their lifetime.

So whether in a classroom or at home, let’s commit to sharing stories and nurture learning, connection, and opportunity for every child.