Be Local by supporting Read Across America
Since 1998, the National Education Association has been observing Read Across America, which it explains is “an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss.”
Be Local means supporting students who participate in Read Across America programs in area schools and encouraging a love of reading in everyone.
“I think reading makes them grow,” said Rachel Wolfe, librarian for Friendship Hill and Smithfield Elementary Schools in the Albert Gallatin School District, of her students. “It takes them to new places and opens their imagination. It helps advance their reading level and grow in their knowledge.”
Brenda Ferek, librarian for Carmichaels area Elementary Center, said, “It’s a lifelong skill. They need reading in every aspect of life. My goal in the library is to encourage reading and let them escape into a book.”
Renee Balaz, librarian for Brownsville Elementary School, said, “Reading is your ticket to anywhere and for everything: education, enjoyment, careers. And once you learn to read, no one can take that away.”
The NEA explains on its website how Read Across America started: “In May 1997, a small reading task force at NEA came up with a big idea. ‘Let’s create a day to celebrate reading,’ the group decided. ‘We hold pep rallies to get kids excited about football. We assemble to remember that Character Counts. Why don’t we do something to get kids excited about reading? We’ll call it ‘NEA’s Read Across America’ and we’ll celebrate it on Dr. Seuss’s birthday.’ And so was born on March 2, 1998, the largest celebration of reading this country has ever seen.”
The association points out why reading is important, noting, “Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.”
Locally, parents can support Read Across America by helping their children prepare for activities at school.
Wolf said Friendship Hill and Smithfield are hosting a month-long celebration with reading contests, a special assembly and a day to dress up as a favorite character from a book. There will also be a book fair.
Ferek said Carmichaels is having a week-long celebration with daily activities, ending March 1. They include Hats Off to Dr. Seuss where students wear a favorite hat, Reading Shirt Day where they wear shirts with words on them, Fox in Socks Day where they wear mismatched socks, and Reading Fun in the Sun where students bring in shades and a favorite beach towel.
Balaz said Brownsville offers activities throughout the month with everyone involved, including the cafeteria sometimes offering green eggs ala Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.”
“It’s everybody trying to promote reading like we do all year,” said Balaz.
During local celebrations, community members will visit schools to read to students. Carmichaels is hosting representatives from businesses who will also talk about careers.
“The kids really like it,” said Wolf of the celebration.
“I think the kids get very excited and I hope it transfers to the home and that parents get involved,” said Ferek, noting, “A lot of parents do come into the classrooms to read.”
The NEA reports more than 50 national organizations and associations assist in Read Across America programs.
Area residents can do their part by cheering on students as they learn to read. Those who don’t have children in school can still support the effort by encouraging reading and discussing books with youths whenever they have an opportunity.
“Read to them to get them to love to read and find enjoyment in a good book,” said Balaz. “Have books available. Visit libraries. There’s lot of technology but there’s nothing better than having a book in your hand and a child on your lap.”
And whether it’s by enjoying books, magazines, graphic novels and newspapers, everyone can be an example by being a reader.
Those interested in joining the Be Local Network can contact Ted Flowers at 724-425-7231 or by email at tflowers@heraldstandard.com. Discount cards are available at the Herald-Standard, 8 E. Church St., Uniontown, and at the Greene County Messenger, 32 Church St., Waynesburg.