NATIONAL OPEN THE MAGIC DAY | SEPTEMBER 25
National Open The Magic Day celebrates read alouds, picture books, the love of reading, and students who struggle to find their reading voice. Every year on September 25th, teachers and parents worldwide read a picture book (or many!) to celebrate Opening the Magic. The day reminds us that picture books are for everyone and allows them to have a confetti moment!
#OpenTheMagicDay
What are confetti moments? A confetti moment is when a child or adult relates to a point in a story that brings them great joy and a place where they belong. Everyone from two to one hundred two enjoys picture books! And everyone has a confetti moment waiting when you Open the Magic.
“I am where I am today because I AM A READER. I am a college graduate, a master’s degree recipient, a reading specialist, owner of Ramona Recommends, a presenter, an elementary teacher, and somebody who never gives up!” Courtney Hinshaw, Founder of Ramona Recommends
National Open The Magic Day is also a reminder to thank the parents and teachers who do everything they can to help children become who they were meant to be. Every day they work together to give children the gift of reading. Their gift also helps to build a safe place for every child to feel loved.
HOW TO OBSERVE OPEN THE MAGIC DAY
On September 25th and every day, Open the Magic! There are so many ways to bring the gift of reading and enjoy those confetti moments.
- Read the OPEN THE MAGIC picture book of the year.
- Read your favorite picture book to your class or child.
- Invite authors virtually to your classroom.
- Have your school get involved and do a school read aloud.
- Create a themed meal around a favorite picture book.
Share your celebration using #OpenTheMagicDay on social media. Never give up on your students. Every single one has magic in their hearts. Be the teacher or parent who says, “Open The Magic!”
NATIONAL OPEN THE MAGIC HISTORY
In 2021, Courtney Hinshaw, founder of Ramona Recommends, created National Open The Magic Day to encourage parents, teachers, and students to find their confetti moments all around them. She also wanted to give back to her community and share her love of picture books with anyone who loves books. In third grade, Courtney was diagnosed with dyslexia and an auditory processing disorder. She grew up a struggling reader but loved books. Because of her parents, teachers, and her perseverance, she became a reader. There isn’t a day that goes by that she does not think about that little girl in 5th grade trying to read.
“I believe picture books help kids understand the tender moments of failure, success, differences, bravery, and love. Every kid deserves to find a book that will lead them to a confetti moment. Reading aloud should never stop. Books bring hope and love into the hearts of humans. Books connect us together which is the greatest gift we can give.” Courtney Hinshaw, Founder of Ramona Recommends
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the first National Open the Magic Day to be observed on September 25, 2021.