NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY (DR. SEUSS DAY)
Each year, National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2nd, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The annual event is part of Read Across America, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. Since the event is designed to encourage reading in children and is fostered through the schools, when March 2nd lands on a weekend, the day is observed on the closest school day.
#ReadAcrossAmericaDay #DrSeussDay
This motivational and awareness day calls all children and youth in every community across the United States to celebrate reading. It encourages them to read where ever they are. Great ways to inspire reading in children include:
- Keep books everywhere you spend time. Put them in the car, in every room of the house, and tuck them in backpacks and purses. Make them easily accessible.
- Visit the library often. Knowing how to use the library and learning the benefits of a library fosters a love of reading as well as genuine respect for the services libraries provide.
- Get caught reading. Children imitate what they see the adults around them do. Whether they see you read a magazine, newspaper, or novel, let them know reading is the cool thing to do.
- Read to your children. No matter their age, reading aloud strengthens their vocabulary and language skills. It also opens up opportunities for discussion.
- Have your children read to you, too. You never know what you might learn!
HOW TO OBSERVE READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY
- Pick up an interesting book and read it.
- More importantly, read with a child.
- Join your library.
- Attend a book reading.
- Read a book you’ve been meaning to read.
- Read a book you’ve read before. You may discover that it has a new meaning to you since you last read it.
- Try reading aloud, even if it is just to yourself. It will make great practice for reading to children. (Hint, hint.)
- Visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for ways to incorporate National Read Across America Day into your classroom.
- Use #ReadAcrossAmericaDay or #DrSeussDay to post on social media.
For adults, here are a couple of recommendations for books:
- The 3-Minute Rule by Brant Pinvidic.
- Open Secrets of Success: The Gary Tharaldson Story by Patrick McCloskey
NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY HISTORY
The first National Read Across America Day was held on March 2, 1998.
Read Across America FAQ
Q. Where can I find books for Read Across America Day?
A. Books are very accessible today. You can find books at:
- Your local library – A lending library offers more than books. They provide access to music, films, newspapers, and magazines.
- Schools – Similar to a public library, school libraries offer a variety of books and media for students.
- New and used bookstores – If you can’t find what you’re looking for, they may be able to order it for you.
- Neighborhood little libraries – Although they are small, they offer easy access to books for all ages.
- Mobile libraries – These libraries on wheels bring books to your neighborhood on a weekly or monthly basis.
- Online bookstores – These bookstores sell new and used books on every subject.
- Digital books – Many classic books can be found free online.
Q. Who can participate in the day?
A. Anyone! Public figures, schools, parents, students, and organizations all join the celebration with an enthusiasm for reading.