Today is the perfect day to grab a book, find a comfy spot to sit, and get reading. Why? Because March 2nd is Read Across America Day. And though the day falls (purposely) on the birth of that master of rhymes and silliness, Theodor S. Geisel - better known as Dr. Seuss - the celebration is not limited to the kiddos among us. Everyone is invited, whether you're tall, or small, or somewhere in-between.
Just finding out about this now? No worries. Celebration of Read Across America Day offers the ultimate in flexibility:
For the Minimalist - Those who don't like a lot of fuss when they celebrate will love observing Read Across America Day. All you have to do is read. Anywhere. Anytime. And whatever book or magazine or poetry or other reading material you'd like. And if you have a kiddo to read to, or read with - all the better.
For the Middle-of-the-Roader - Those who like a just a little pizazz in their celebratory behavior will find Read Across America Day fits them as well. Wear one of those tall, red-and-white Cat in the Hat hats while you're reading, and while you're out and about today. Or, if your taste in headgear is slightly more subdued, you could go with something like my chapeau of choice:
For the Ultimate Partier - Those who like a whole lotta stuff goin' on when they celebrate - you know who you are: game and activity lovers, glitter fiends, streamer folks, balloon aficionados, crayon-and-marker wielders, poster painters, etc. - visit any of the following sites for some great ideas for celebrating Read Across America Day (especially if the partiers you're planning for are kids, or if you're a teacher):
- Seussville's Read Across America Page. Here you'll find printable pages for the kids filled with activities and guides for cool stuff to do, links to other activity ideas, and a link to a list of places having Read Across America Day events.
- NEA's Read Across America page. This is the National Education Association's web page dedicated to Read Across America Day. The NEA sponsors this celebration, now in its 14th year. Here you will find a link to Seussville, as well as links to a parenting magazine and other places with celebration ideas.
- ReadWriteThink.org. This website is tailored to teachers, with lesson plans and activities to try in the classroom, but parents and others who work with the little guys will find some interesting ideas here that could be easily adapted to work at home.
So, Happy Read Across America Day! And Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss! Now go out there, whether you're 5 or 105, grab a book, and get reading. And if you manage to score some birthday cake in the process, please send some to me?
(Hat optional...but highly recommended.)
