Read Across America event kicks off March 2

Sunday, March 04, 2012
Facebook
Twitter

From STAFF REPORTS education@newnan.com Dr. Seuss' 107th birthday will mark the 14th year of the National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America, an event that focuses on the critical need to instill a love of reading in our children. The March 2 event's state sponsor, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), and Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta have once again planned a kick-off for the day's activities, which will be taking place from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in schools, libraries, and businesses throughout Georgia.

"Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta is thrilled to, once again, partner with Read Across America because providing creative ways for young children to actively engage in reading is one of our fundamental goals," said Executive Director Jane Turner. "Being able to read is at the heart of being able to learn and for children to expand their world and opportunities for the future." A highlight at Imagine It! will be a Read-A-Thon where boys and girls 8-under will listen to guest readers, including Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal and State Superintendent John D. Barge. Other activities will include bookmark-making stations, a special Meow Mix featuring the Imaginators, the museum's troupe of actors and educators, and a Cat Nap Story Time. Parents should visit www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org for information and directions. "This is just a wonderful time of the year and we so look forward to seeing all the boys and girls in their Dr. Seuss hats and the sheer excitement on their faces, " says Calvine Rollins, GAE president. "Spending time sitting down to read a book or two with the children here and in other locations during this time is one of the highlights of my travels. This day is a symbolic gesture that serves to remind us of just how critical it is to help our children develop a love of reading early in their lives. It's that strong reading foundation that provides the best chance for success in academics and life. We again thank Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta for their generosity in choosing to host this wonderful event." NEA's Read Across America began in 1997 as a "Green Eggs and Ham" read-in. It has since grown to become an annual national testament to the power and importance of reading. The GAE anticipates thousands of Georgians -- boys and girls, men and women, and even pets -- to don the familiar red and white striped, stove-piped hats that highlight this beloved annual effort during the weeks leading up to and after Dr. Seuss' birthday. To become involved locally, the GAE recommends contacting libraries or schools to volunteer to read during their events. National event partners such as Barnes and Noble Bookstores and Target also have events scheduled. Visit www.nea.org/readacross or www.readacrossamerica.org for more information.

Education

Read Across America event kicks off March 2

More Education

Book debuts at White Oak Elementary

Lowery inducted into Lambda Pi Eta

Register Monday for library program

Rice named CSU alumni treasurer

Touch-A-Truck event June 15