In 1957, Theodor Seuss Geisel, more commonly known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, published The Cat in the Hat, inspiring generations of young students to read. As literary enthusiasts, schools and even Hollywood, celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday March 2, literacy advocates are encouraging families to make reading an important part of their day.
Random House and the National Education Association are urging adults to participate in the annual Read Across America by taking time out of their day to read to a child.
Dr. Seuss, who died in 1991, was a strong advocate for child literacy, writing The Cat in Hat in response to a Life Magazine article detailing the decline of student literacy. The book, along with Dr. Seuss’ subsequent works such as Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish, Two Red Fish Blue Fish, and the Grinch Who Stole Christmas!, were written in trisyllabic meter rhyme, an effective tool to teaching young children basic reading skills.
Schools throughout the nation, including schools in the Glendora and Charter Oak Unified school districts, will honor the day with reading sessions with students.
Here are several ways you can support child literacy and celebrate Read Across America:
1. Take the Read Across America pledge.
2. Planning on seeing The Lorax today? Before you had to the theater, why not take a moment to read the book to your kids? This year, the NEA. a group of more than 3.2 million educators who work to improve public schools, and several literacy and youth groups are encouraging people to pick up The Lorax – Dr. Seuss’ 1971 classic about lovable creatures who fight to save the environment.
3. Head to the , pick out a book with your children, or pick a book for that special child, and reserve some time today to read it to them.
4. Schools such as and are hosting opportunities to read to students. Contact the schools for details.
5. Head to the Seussville Read Across America website, and print out materials to help you celebrate the day.
