NEA's Read Across America Day March 2
2/26/2010
By Cynthia Hobgood
On March 2, the National Education Association calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult through its signature program, NEA's Read Across America. Now in its thirteenth year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.
This national reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens and books.
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, together with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, members of Congress, NEA leaders, and the Cat in the Hat will host hundreds of local schoolchildren at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. for the nationwide kickoff of Read Across America Day. Students will be treated to a round of readings and pledge to read throughout the year. The Read Across America Cat-a-Van hits to road in the Midwest, with special events in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Evansville, Indiana; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“Every year on Read Across America Day, the imaginations of children across the country are ignited when they open up a good book,” said Van Roekel. “NEA’s Read Across America program provides tools, resources and tips for parents and educators that make reading a fun and enjoyable experience so kids will keep turning pages.”
Wonder what children's books inspired your Member of Congress? From Green Eggs and Ham to The Lorax to Chronicles of Narnia, here's a collection of Congressional Favorites and the reasons why your leaders love them.
In Georgetown, Kentucky, they're serving up Green Eggs and Ham at Easter Elementary School, in Indiana, Thompkins Middle School students are "Revved up for Reading" to the tune of "Life is a Highway," while in Wisconsin, Northwest United Educators are hitting the airwaves, with readings on the radio. If you're looking for great ideas, or sharing them, join the Facebook Fan page.
Are you planning the biggest, most creative Read Across America event? Don't forget to save your photos and videos and enter the 2010 Read Across America Awards. Winners in each category receive $250. Applications are due April 20 and winners will be announced June 1, 2010. Here's a list of 2009 winners.
Visit www.nea.org/readacross for more reading tips, book lists and information about local events happening nationwide.