Let’s Celebrate: National Reading Across America Day

Growing up, my favorite author was the one and only Dr. Seuss! I loved everything about his books–the silliness, the vocabulary, the illustrations, and the amazing rhyme. The Cat in the Hat was my ultimate favorite book!

Today, as a fifth-grade reading and language arts teacher, I continue to love Dr. Seuss. His books still teach and inspire students. As a result, I enjoy sharing them with my fifth graders all the time. There is no age limit when it comes to reading stories to our kids! Reading can take us to the most wonderful places; we need to instill this in our children.

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

On March 2^nd, we celebrate National Reading Across America Day! The day cannot be any more special. For instance, it is also Dr. Seuss’s birthday! Reading is encouraged in our schools and homes. Check out this website and learn all about Dr. Seuss himself and his characters. You can watch animated clips of his books, and have children play games. The website also offers books to buy. Moreover, there’s a parents’ resource guide with activities, crafts, and recipes, that will be amazing to use on National Reading Across America Day.

Stop, Drop and Read

Looking back, I remember sitting in my second-grade class, and the teacher calling out “Stop, Drop, and Read!” Next, we all took out our library books and began reading for thirty minutes. Nothing else. It was such a great moment. As a result, I was lost in my book! I clearly remember reading about a girl named Junie B. Jones and her first day at school. I can vividly visualize her not knowing anything on her first day. She was terrified of the “meanies.” Check this one out! 

Teacher Life

As a teacher, on National Reading Across America Day, I do the same with my students. I have read to them aloud. Most importantly, I have had them read their own books. There is no limit to our imagination when we are dug into a good book. In tribute to Dr. Seuss, we also make green eggs and ham after his famous book, Green Eggs and Ham. The kids enjoy seeing the green scrambled eggs and ham! We even make green shakes! I just take green food coloring and add it to the eggs, ham, and vanilla ice-cream. Such a fun treat!

Celebrating at Home

Not only can we celebrate National Reading Across America Day at schools, but also in our homes! As parents, we can read to our children. Older ones can decide to read on their own. In my household, we decide to read as a family. Being the teacher of the family, I read aloud to my children. My husband chimes in occasionally. Firstly, we select the book of our interest. I usually select three books for the kids to choose from. Some amazing young children’s authors are Eric Carle, Judy Bloom, Beverly Cleary, Roald Dahl, and Maurice Sendak. Next, we gather around the couch. Furthermore, I read to my family, and it is such a beautiful experience. Seeing my kids’ faces light up with smiles and smirks/giggles makes my day! Now that is a MOM WIN! 

How to Celebrate National Reading Across America Day

• Visit your local library! They provide free books for all ages.
• Read to your children. Reading provides so much support in building your child’s comprehension and vocabulary skills.
• Have your child read to you! How cool would that be? Have them ask you questions afterward. They can even quiz you.
• Picture books are also great! You can have your child create his/her own story using illustrations. Have them recite their story aloud. 
• Visit the Scholastic website. You will find a variety of books for all ages there as well. 
• For breakfast, you can make scrambled green eggs and ham. Also, you can definitely make green milk! Simply add green food coloring to these foods. Children will absolutely adore it! Afterward, read a Dr. Seuss book to kick of National Reading Across America Day! 

Some Amazing Books for Children to Read or be Read to on National Reading Across America Day:

• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
• Corduroy by Don Freeman
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Remember: “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.” -Dr. Seuss