IRA Supports National Geographic’s “My Wonderful World” Campaign

As part of the International Reading Association’s continuing mission to ensure that everyone can attain the highest level of literacy, the Association is pleased to join National Geographic’s just-launched “My Wonderful World” campaign to promote geographic literacy. The goal of the campaign is to improve the geographic literacy of young people ages 8–17 by motivating parents and educators to expand geographic offerings in school, at home, and in their communities.

Both IRA and the “My Wonderful World” campaign recognize that children expand their curiosity about—and understanding of—faraway places, new cultures, and exploration by reading both fiction and nonfiction. One way that parents and teachers can increase students’ literacy is by exposing them to reading materials that allow them to explore beyond their backyard and home community.

In 2006–2007, National Geographic’s “My Wonderful World” will kick off a multiyear, around-the-world curriculum with a resource- and activity-packed exploration of the African continent and cultures. Please look for a link to this campaign on IRA’s website or visit www.MyWonderfulWorld.org. The website provides a variety of resources, including family activities, links to geography games and online adventures for kids and teens, classroom materials for educators, and ways for young and old to test their global IQs.

Teachers should take special note of the 2007 National Geographic Kids Expedition to South Africa. Teachers and students can enter for a chance to join the expedition team. Team members will go on a wildlife safari and experience local culture and traditions. National Geographic experts will lead the trip.

Students ages 9–14 enter by taking a photo that shows how they are a hands-on explorer in their world, and by telling in 100–200 words what they discovered, why it’s interesting, and what they would like to explore in South Africa.

For full details visit www.hands-onexplorer.com. Teachers can log on to the same site to find out how they can enter for a chance to win one of two spots on the same expedition. The deadline for entering is November 30, 2006.

IRA supports National Geographic’s “My Wonderful World” campaign. (August 2006). Reading Today, 24(1), 41.