"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."
Recently, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow got together with a group of children from the Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. He was participating in “America’s Greatest Storytime” where he read the Dr. Seuss classic, “Green Eggs and Ham” to the youngsters. The reading was broadcast over the Internet as part of the BOOK IT ! reading program sponsored by Pizza Hut.
In Naples, Florida, former governor Jeb Bush and his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush hosted a literacy/ fundraising conference focusing on the importance of reading. These events and numerous others, lead up to March 2, 2012 which will mark the 16th annual Read Across America Day. The program is sponsored and supported by the National Education Association (NEA) and commemorates the birthday of Dr. Seuss . Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers will participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books.
This is an ideal teachable moment for classroom teachers as well as parents. There are numerous web sites just brimming with ideas and links for student activities. One such site that I highly recommend is First Book. If you teach in a community where at least 70 percent of the children in your program come from low-income families, they can help. Access this site at http://www.firstbook.org/
First Book’s available resources can
- Elevate the quality of literacy programs.
- Register Now Enrich the learning experience for children in need.
- Enable teachers to create new curricula.
- Impart a love of reading to children.
If your School is eligible for participation they will receive:
- First Book Marketplace offering new books at 50 to 90 percent off retail prices
- First Book National Book Bank offering free books (pay only for shipping typically at 35 cents a book)
- Book grants through First Book’s local Advisory Boards
Another wonderful source is Read, Write, Think sponsored by the International Reading Association. Here you will find lesson plans, student activities as well as printable worksheets. Go to http://www.readwritethink.org/
As always your input and comments are welcome. Please let us know if you have had success with some you own projects.
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