Read Across America Day Activities

If you see some people wearing big, tall red-and-white-stripe hats this week, they are likely celebrating Read Across America Week, and the beloved author Dr. Seuss and his Cat in the Hat character.

Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Seuss Geisel, has helped many a child read with glee. From “The Cat in the Hat” to “Mr. Brown Can Moo” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” Dr. Seuss’s stories delight readers with their silly rhymes and characters.

The National Education Association celebrates Read Across America Day on Dr. Seuss’ birthday, March 2, but many local schools, preschools and daycares celebrate throughout the week. My son’s school is celebrating today by encouraging children to dress as their favorite Dr. Seuss charactor or other book character. We put together a quick Thing 1 outfit making a paper headband with strips of blue construction paper, and using a white paper plate as a very large medallion with the words Thing 1 written on it, but I’d love to try this idea for making the fuzzy blue hair wig from the How Does She website.

Here are some other ideas on how to celebrate the day:

1. Go to the library. The Myers Park library branch is hosting Seuss-themed literacy activities all day for ages 5-11. Children receive a prize for each completed activity.

2. Eat Green Eggs and Ham. Add a little fun to lunch today by dying a boiled egg green beside cubed ham. And maybe a side of gold fish in multi-colors for a little “Red Fish, Blue Fish” fun.

3. After dinner storytime. Barnes and Noble stores at Morrison Place, the Arboretum, Carolina Place and Birkdale are hosting special Read Across America story times at 7 p.m. Hear some of the favorite Dr. Seuss stories including “Cat in the Hat,” “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”

4. Just read. The goal of Read Across America Day is to motivate kids to read. Reading aloud is great for little kids to spark early literacy, but there are benefits to reading aloud to big kids, too. Take time tonight to read books together or make a trip to the library to get some new books.

Happy reading! #readacrossamerica