Retired teachers join NSES for Read Across America
By Lynsi Perry Musselman
The Lorax, Thing 1, 2 and 3, and Cat in the Hat, among other Dr. Seuss characters were seen on Nancy Smith Elementary School campus on Friday, February 28, to celebrate “Read Across America” week. The annual week-long event is celebrated in schools throughout the nation to coincide with the March 2nd birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss, whose big day fell on a Sunday this year.
NSES dyslexia teacher, Kristie Smith, along elementary counselor Susie Beard promote the end of the week event by encouraging students to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. Smith also invited people from the community to come and read to each homeroom on Friday.
Smith explained that she typically likes to have a target group come each year, such as law enforcement and school board members. This year the group was retired teachers. Smith added all the readers seemed thrilled when they arrived on Friday morning, even bringing additional activities with them to do with the class when they finished reading the book they had selected.
“You can take the teacher out of the classroom, but you cannot take the teach out of the teacher,” said Smith.
Read Across America was established in 1997 by the National Education Association (NEA) with the intention to foster the interest of reading among children. The day eventually evolved into also celebrating Seuss. The celebration incorporated the author to help children get immersed with the joy of reading by dressing up as his characters.
“Dressing up brings attention to a love of reading and books for both students and staff,” said Beard. She added they always love a dress day at NSES.
2024 data from the NEA shows 54% of adults in the United States read below a sixth-grade level, with Texas being ranked 4th for worst literacy rates in the country. There are also statistics from the NEA showing there is a decline in reading for pleasure among children.
Dressing up and reading at school is not the only goal of “Read Across America.” Public awareness to the fact that access and choices in reading material is not always available, as well as diversity across literature is also an objective. The celebration also encourages entire communities to get involved to inspire young readers. Smith said she is excited this event is getting more attention.
“Any opportunity a child has to listen, read, or interact with literacy impacts their development,” concluded Smith.
