Students countywide hit books in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday
Evans High School senior Shicole Mitchell reads to Davis Peel, 5, in her early childhood education class. The students were participating in Read Across America by celebrating the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Columbia County schools celebrated Read Across America last week.
Tuesday was the Seussentennial celebrating the 100th birthday of the late Theodor Geisel, otherwise know as Dr. Seuss.
Even high-schoolers got into the act this year. Evans High School's media center had mats laid out, on which students could spend a class period or their lunch break reading.
"I don't think we give high school kids enough time just to read for fun," said Debi Tebeau, a media specialist at the school.
Early childhood classes also used the day to read to their children. Several teachers and school administrators joined in the fun.
Assistant principals Chris Segraves and Wayne Baker were dressed in the red bow tie and the familiar red and white stovepipe hat of the Cat in the Hat.
At Lewiston Elementary School, several guest readers came to classrooms to read, and on Tuesday, children were encouraged to dress up like Seuss storybook characters.
Augusta Christian kicked off its celebration Monday with visiting readers throughout the day, as well as balloons, bookmarks and cake to celebrate.
"I like Green Eggs and Ham," said Lance Arborgast. "It's funny."
First-grader Lonnie Oellerich toted around five of his favorite Dr. Seuss books Monday.
"I like reading," said Lonnie, whose favorite book is Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!
Dr. Suess's universal appeal made him the perfect choice to represent the annual reading campaign, teachers said.
"They're excited. These are the sort of books they are able to read now," said kindergarten teacher Trudy Reece. "This is always a fun week."
The National Education Association's Read Across America Day has been held since 1998 to generate reading excitement across the country. Last year, 45 million children and adults took part in the celebration and more were expected this year for the Seussentennial celebration.
At Augusta Christian, Seuss-style fish marked the path to the media center, which was decorated with hand-painted cutout Seuss characters. As Vice-President of Institutional Advancement John Bartlett - wearing golf shoes - read The Foot Book, his kindergarten and first-grade audience easily finished his sentences for him: "Left foot, left foot, right foot ..."
"Right!" the children shouted in unison.
"His books not only rhyme, they are really silly and are tongue twisters," said library teacher Francine Burroughs, who had her face painted as the Cat in the Hat and wore the traditional hat. "Even adults when they read it make the children laugh. You're never too old to be silly."