Yesterday was the birthday of beloved child author Dr. Seuss. BKW elementary students are marking the occasion by participating in the National Education Association’s annual Read Across America event.
“The goal of the event is to promote the love of reading by getting children excited about it,” coordinator and second-grade teacher Marlene Tiffany said. “We want them to become lifelong readers.”
According to the NEA, motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong, successful readers. Research has shown that children who are motivated and spend more time reading do better in school.
For three days, students in Pre-K through fourth grade will partake in a national movement that celebrates reading. Here’s what’s happening locally:
• Through Friday, volunteers from BKW High
School’s Key Club will be reading to elementary classes.
• Students in Pre-K through second grade will get a free book from the
Literacy Empowerment Foundation, a non-profit organization.
• Students in third grade will receive a free book, compliments of the
Kiwanis Club.
• The Books “R” Us bookstore in the elementary school will be open all
day, marking its 14th year.
Tiffany and kindergarten teacher Stefanie Scram spoke to the Key Club members and their advisor, Robert Bentley Jr., about reading to the younger students and said they are pleased with the response.
“They are wonderful role models,” Tiffany said. “One of the great things about our school is the fantastic community support. We’re only a parking lot away, and we can connect with the middle and high school students. Mr. Bentley is very supportive and helpful when it comes to making that connection and involving the high school students with elementary projects.”
The community outside the school also joined in the celebration.
Tiffany was asked by a member of the Kiwanis Club what the organization could do to help. When told that the younger students would be receiving books, the members donated money so that the third graders could get free books as well.
“We appreciate the support and the donations
from the Kiwanis Club,” Tiffany said. “And I am sure the students do as
well.”
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