NEA's Read Across America Takes Place on March 3, 2014

Calling all children, it’s time to read! National Education Association’s (NEA) 17th Annual Read Across America event will take place on Monday, March 3, 2014.

The day is designed to encourage reading among school kids. Here is more about the event from the website:

 “The Seussical celebration will kick off a week of reading across the nation as NEA members gather students, parents, and community members together to share their love of reading. It’s never too early to plan your event and NEA’s RAA will be posting tips and resources to help you make your event Seussational.”

Schools, libraries and book stores are encouraged to host their own events to support the cause. For example, Barnes & Noble is hosting free story time events to support the national day of reading at stores across the country.

Read a Dr. Seuss book with your young ones.  Take your learner to a bookstore so s/he can make a make a purchase choice and feel ownership for the book.  What a wonderful way to model a love of books, particularly during Read Across America!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Who in the world doesn't know Dr. Seuss?  He had much to recommend him.  Born Theodor Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904, he was an American poet, writer and cartoonist.   He  published 46 children's books.

Read Across America was created by the National Education Association to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and this year it will be held on March 2, 2013.  

Libraries, book stores all across the United States will hold celebrations by reading his books, holding book talks and giving opportunities to buy them.

At the time of his death on September 24, 1991, Ted had written and illustrated 44 children's books, including such all-time favorites as Green Eggs and Ham, Oh, the Places You'll Go, Fox in Socks, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. His books had been translated into more than 15 languages. Over 200 million copies had found their way into homes and hearts around the world.

Besides the books, his works have provided the source for eleven children's television specials, a Broadway musical and a feature-length motion picture. Other major motion pictures are on the way.  His honors included two Academy awards, two Emmy awards, a Peabody Award and the Pulitzer Prize.



Most of all, though, Dr. Seuss  is remembered for his magic.  The magic of making kids smile.  The magic of teaching kids to love reading.  The magic of opening kids' minds to creativity.  Thank you Dr. Seuss for all you did and still do for children all over the world.

Oh, and Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!