BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo -- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”- Dr. Suess
From a child’s first time hearing a story on their parent’s lap to an adult’s escape into the pages of an intriguing novel, reading plays a major role in our lives. Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers.
The Child Development Centers on Buckley Air Force Base celebrated Read Across America March 1st, 2019.
The children spent the day learning the importance of reading and participated in Dr. Suess themed activities such as themed snack time and a poster decorating competition. Caregivers read the children an array of Dr. Suess books and some children even dressed as their favorite characters.
Read Across America is held annually on March 2nd to encourage children in every community to read and parents and teachers to celebrate the joy of reading. The holiday has been celebrated since 1998 and falls on the same day as children's book author, Dr. Seuss’s, Birthday.
The National Education Association created the annual observation to celebrate reading among children. They reasoned since many school football programs can get children engaged in the sport through pep rallies, then why couldn’t the same thing be done for reading? They decided to advocates for Read Across America to be celebrated on the birthday of one of the most prominent children book authors, Dr. Seuss.
Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books.
“Reading is important for the holistic development of children,” Jennifer Hopper, CDC child development program technician. “ It helps them grow emotionally, socially and cognitively. We read to the children frequently and taking part in programs such as Read Across America inspire the children to foster their love for literature.”