(MARCH, 2022)— Read Across America Week, celebrated this year during the week of February 28, was created by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to encourage students’ love for reading.
“Reading helps students make sense of the world and the people around them. It helps build their social-emotional skills as well as stretching their imaginations,” said Dr. Judith LaRocca, Superintendent of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen.
James A. Dever Elementary School’s student council spearheaded activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America Week. Each day, students read a different book written by Dr. Seuss and dressed in festive clothing to coincide with the book they were going to read. For example, on the day students read The Cat In The Hat, they were encouraged to wear a hat to school.
At Wheeler Avenue Elementary School, a One School, One Book initiative was put in place in honor of Read Across America Week. Students participated in a school-wide book read via a virtual assembly. Students received a surprise visit from Chirpy, the school’s mascot to read books and engage in meaningful discussions about the books they read.
Willow Road Elementary students had a blast throughout Read Across America Week. The students read Dr. Seuss’ books, The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, and then went on a scavenger hunt. The students also crafted their very own masks of the characters from the books.
Howell Road Elementary School celebrated Read Across America Week by crafting paper hats, reading Dr. Seuss’ books, and writing Dr. Seuss inspired poems.