Read Across America
Children celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with reading
At South Columbia Elementary School, fifth-grader Casey Gymer listened intently as teacher Susan Steward read Dr. Seuss' Lorax.
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Though Casey is 11, she agrees that you're never too old to enjoy Dr. Seuss' books.
"My favorite is Green Eggs and Ham," she said. "I love his books because they always rhyme."
Casey was one of millions participating in Read Across America on Friday, a project of the National Education Association. It's a day to celebrate the joys of reading and to honor Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), whose birthday was March 2.
South Columbia Elementary School held a Dr. Seuss Read-a-thon where pupils, staff and parents read Dr. Seuss books throughout the day, and participants, such as Steward, dressed up as Dr. Seuss characters. She wore a red and white striped stove-pipe hat like the one worn by the cat in Cat in the Hat.
Read Across America is the biggest one-day literacy celebration. Last year, there were reading events in all 50 states - and in several foreign countries - that attracted more than 35 million readers.
South Columbia fifth-grader Michelle Martin planned to participate in the day's events by reading to other pupils. She was scanning the library for her favorite Dr. Seuss book, One Fish, Two Fish. But her favorite book of all, she said is "Little Red Riding Hood, because it teaches you a lesson to obey your parents," she said.
South Columbia Elementary School fifth-grader Chase Kulhmann reads a Dr. Seuss' book class to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and for the Read Across America program. Schools throughout the country participated in the program.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
South Columbia was just one of many Columbia County elementary schools participating in the event.
At Evans Elementary School, the fifth grade launched a new motivational reading program called Read USA. Teacher Darlene McLaughlin placed a large United States map on the wall outside her classroom. Pupils will travel cross-country on a stationary bike and will try to return to Georgia before the school year ends. The goal is to read 50 books for 50 states.
At North Columbia Elementary, teachers invited a special guests to read to their classes Friday.
North Harlem Elementary kindergartenpupils made Dr. Seuss hats to wear. And Associate School Superintendent Charles Nagle read to pupils.
Stevens Creek Elementary pupils staged a "read-in," where pupils spent the day in different reading activities. Some dressed as their favorite Dr. Seuss character, and guest readers were invited to read their favorite Dr. Seuss books.