Today is Read Across America Day! In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, the National Education Association (NEA) declared March 2nd its annual Read Across America Day, inviting people across the nation to celebrate the joys of reading. Dr. Seuss is loved around the world, and on his birthday, everyone from teachers, to celebrities, to community members, and parents are putting aside the many hats they wear for work and play and donning their reading hats – the red and white striped stovepipe hat of the Cat in the Hat.
In bringing a nation of readers together under one hat, NEA’s Read Across America offers opportunities for you to volunteer, to read, and to share your life experiences; opportunities for businesses to contribute products to congratulate young readers and for employees to volunteer time at reading programs; and opportunities for our elected officials, from the national to the state and local levels, to make reading a high priority.
“You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” – Dr. Seuss
Here’s an easy way for you to celebrate: read aloud to a young child. Early literacy is a crucial part of a child’s development. It enhances vocabulary, builds important communication skills, and gives them the tools they need to be successful in school and in life. Reading aloud is the single most important thing you can do to help a child prepare for reading and learning on their own. It is one of the best activities to stimulate language and cognitive skills, and it also builds motivation, curiosity, and memory, and forms bonds between adults and children.
So pick up one of the many Dr. Seuss classics and read to a young child – today and every day – and be sure to share your plans and pictures on social media using #ReadAcrossAmerica!
