National Read Across America Day is upon us, which means it’s time to get out those red and white striped top hats and arm yourself with a good book. Since 1998, the National Education Association (NEA) has declared March 2nd as National Read Across America Day, conveniently falling on Dr. Seuss’s birthday. The idea is to encourage kids to make reading a habit, an extension beyond the classroom, celebrating the playfulness and joy reading can bring. Adults in positions such as educators or parents have a role to play as well, by being reinforcers that supply children with the resources, opportunities, and activities that make reading not only educational, but an enjoyable experience that stimulates the learning process.
Whether your favorite book was (and still is) “Green Eggs and Ham” or “The Cat in the Hat”, Dr. Seuss books are timeless classics that are still used as learning instruments in classrooms nationwide. They teach and introduce kids to techniques such as rhyming and spelling, and enforces the importance of word choice—all tools which encourage children to want to read, and to be confident when doing it. Parents can also take the time to read along with their children, an opportunity for bonding and increased education.
Ideas on how you can celebrate National Read Across America Day include read-aloud marathons, get into character (dress up in costume), find a reading buddy, donate books, or simply curl up on the couch with an old, new, or favorite read.
And if you feel like heading out, check out our favorite local libraries and bookstores:
1. Little City Books – Hoboken
– Book clubs offered
– 3/10/16 author reading — Mark Leyner “Gone With the Mind”
2. WORD – Jersey City
– 3/3/16 reading event — “Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War” (author panel and signing @ 7:30 p.m.)
3. Hoboken Public Library – Hoboken
– Closing for renovation March 7th-18th, visit the Hoboken Public Library Pop-Up Branch at 124 Grand Street.
4. North Bergen Public Library – North Bergen
– 3/2/16 Dr. Seuss Celebration! — From 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. the festivities will include a magic show, balloons, and story time with special guests Mayor Sacco and the Cat in the Hat.
5. Weehawken Public Library – Weehawken
– 3/4/16 “Bookwormers” meet — From 4:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. children ages 5 to 6 will share their thoughts on a picture book shown during the session.
6. Jersey City Free Books – Jersey City
– Community book exchange located at 297 Griffith Street, open on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
About the Author/s
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
