Read Across America’s

Tenth Anniversary

By Laurie Borst

Friday, March 2, marks the tenth anniversary of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. This event, scheduled on the birthday of that great American children’s writer, Dr Seuss, was designed to promote reading. Elementary schools across the country plan special lessons around Dr Seuss and reading.

Theodore Seuss Geisel started his career as a magazine writer. He also took a turn as a political cartoonist. In the 1930s, he penned several children’s stories, including Horton Hatches the Egg. Then, in 1954, Life Magazine published a story about illiteracy in American children.

Mr Geisel’s editor, concerned about reading skills, gave him a list of 400 words he considered a core part of vocabulary. With the assignment to pare down the list to 250 words or less, Dr Seuss created The Cat in the Hat containing 220 different words. The book has become a favorite with young readers everywhere.

Take a moment on Friday evening to sit down with your children and share a favorite book. Encourage your children to read for fun. Provide a good role model — let them see you reading regularly, too!