Today and Tomorrow are “Read Across America Days,” in the classroom on Friday, and in the broader community on Saturday (celebrated on Dr. Seuss’ Birthday)! In 1997, The National Education Association (NEA) came up with a big idea! They decided to create a day to celebrate reading, so the first Read Across America Day on March 2nd, 1998 became the largest reading celebration the US had ever seen. 21 years later, more than 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers – plus 40 national organizations and associations – are involved! Here in Durham, The Partnership spent this week promoting our literacy initiatives and sharing a Dr. Seuss illustration a day.
Here are easy ways for you to celebrate: Register for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for children 0-5 years old as a way to receive free books directly to your door. Use the NEA’s Read Across America 18-19 Calendar to read recommended books and authors that represent an array of experiences and cultures.
Most importantly, 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 listed below and read to a young child – today and every day – and be sure to share your plans and pictures on social media by tagging @DPFC_NC or the_partnership_dpfc. #ReadAcrossAmerica Happy Read Across America Day! “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” – Dr. Seuss Click To Tweet
Don’t Forget About the Seven Days of Seuss! Check out the picture of the day on our site and leave your guess. Are you new to Seven Days of Seuss? Read this blog post to learn more. You can still comment on posts from earlier this week for a chance to win! (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram)
