You may be thinking that March 2nd is just another day on the calendar, but there’s cause for celebration. The date marks Dr. Seuss’s birthday and the National Education Association’s (NEA) nationwide campaign to get kids excited about reading.
Born in 1904, Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote his first children’s book, Cat in the Hat, in 1954 in response to a report that suggested children were having trouble learning to read because their books were boring. With Dr. Seuss’s books and caring adults, millions of children have loved learning to read ever since.
Volunteers, teachers, and reader
s of all ages are remembering Dr. Seuss today by participating in Read Across America, the NEA’s signature initiative that motivates kids to read and encourages more adults to spend time reading with children. Nationwide, Seuss-themed events, read alouds and fun activities will reinforce the fun and benefit of reading in schools, libraries and other community hubs. In Illinois, United Way of Elgin is providing volunteers with a Dr. Seuss book of their choice to read with children today, and with fun activities that help improve literacy.
For those looking to instill a love of reading in children, it is easy to get involved. The NEA provides extensive resources for creating and promoting Read Across America events each year and for promoting reading all year long. Your local United Way can help you find a way to read with or tutor an at-risk child, on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, or on any day.
There is a direct connection between reading skills developed at a young age and success in school, work and life. Investing time, effort and other community resources in education benefits us all.