Letter to the Editor: Read with your children on Seuss's birthday
Dear Editor:
The teachers and education support professionals of the West Fargo Education Association appreciate what parents and community members have done to celebrate the National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America to encourage children to pick up a book and read.
And this year marks the fifteenth annual celebration of reading and Dr. Seuss's birthday! As we gear up for NEA's Read Across America Day, I would like to ask fellow community members to put aside the many hats they wear for work and play and don the ultimate reading hat, the red and white striped stovepipe made famous by the Cat in the Hat, on March 2.
Be a part of this flurry (or furry) of reading excitement! Get involved in supporting children's literacy in our community:
*Since this NEA supported endeavor is designed to put every child in the company of a book, take the opportunity to read and enjoy! Read to a child in your life.
*Help set a good example. Contact a local preschool or Head Start program and volunteer with your child to share a story with younger children.
*Bring children to your public library. From story hours for toddlers to career planning for teens, the library has something for everyone.
*Make sure those who are in need have plenty to read. Donate books to hospitals and homeless shelters. Call ahead to see what is needed.
*Resolve to make March 2 the first of many days you volunteer to read at a school, afterschool program, community center, library, or daycare facility. You can make a difference to future generations of readers.
NEA estimates that last year almost 45 million children and adults celebrated the joy of reading on Dr. Seuss's birthday. This year they hope to bring a nation of readers together to really drive home the message about of the importance of reading.
Here in West Fargo School District, I hope that every child will be reading with a caring adult.
For more information about NEA's Read Across America, visit www.nea.org/readacross.
Gale Haug,
West Fargo Education
Association President
Cheney Middle School
West Fargo