By Kathy Thompson

CAPRON

Every year at the beginning of March, school children kick off National Reading Month by celebrating the birthday of the beloved author, Dr. Seuss. Capron Elementary School participated in the annual Read Across America Day, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association, that honors the birthday of the infamous Dr. Seuss.

Read Across America Day promotes reading nationwide, particularly for children and young adults. A goal of Read Across America is motivating children to read. 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.

Special guests from our School Board joined us to entertain the students in the classrooms by reading a Dr. Seuss classic. Lorraine Whitehead entertained everyone as she read “Gertrude McFuzz” to the entire school and some parents. Individual classrooms also participated in various fun and educational reading activities. Students enjoyed cupcakes and goldfish crackers as well as receiving bookmarks and pencils to commemorate the special day. It was a week full of memorable, fun activities.

Dr. Seuss, an author who has profusely contributed to the advancement of children’s literature, epitomizes a love of children and learning. Also, his use of rhyme makes his books an effective tool for teaching young children the basic skills they need to be successful. His writing style helps children develop their language skills and lays the foundations for learning to read. When we celebrate Dr. Seuss and reading, we send a clear message to America’s children that reading is fun and important. In the words of Dr. Seuss, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”