August 29, 2013

The International Reading Association adopted the “Invent Your Future” theme for the 2013 International Literacy Day celebration in conjunction with Sony Pictures Animation’s upcoming Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, which will be released in 3D and Real 3D on September 27. The goal is to inspire students to dream big about their future—just like inventor Flint Lockwood, the main character of the film—and illustrate the crucial role literacy skills play in achieving those dreams.

IRA and Sony Pictures Animation will host an “Invent Your Future”-themed Twitter chat on September 9 at 8:00 p.m. EST with special guest tweeter Bill Hader, a Saturday Night Live alum and comedian who voices Cloudy 2 protagonist Flint Lockwood. Participants may join using the hashtag #IRAchat.

To encourage educators and librarians to share the message that strong literacy skills pave the pathway to future success, IRA teamed up with Sony Pictures Animation to launch www.Cloudy2LiteracyActivities.com. The site features a downloadable activity kit with educational ideas that emphasize career readiness for students ages 5-19. 

Classroom teachers of K-12 students may submit stories, photos, and videos to IRA about how they celebrated this year’s International Literacy Day for a chance to win a new Sony Xperia tablet (retail value: $499). The contest is open from September 10-30, 2013, and the official registration form is available at /ILD13contest.

In addition, the first 150 teachers who fill out a registration form on the Sony Pictures site will receive a free copy of the original Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs book, by Judi Barrett and Ron Barrett, courtesy of Simon & Schuster. Teachers may also request Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 movie posters and activity books.

As a new school year begins, IRA helps you bolster your students’ career and college readiness by encouraging them to dream big. These “Invent Your Future” activities and contests are a fantastic way to start the year right!