Area students take part in ‘Read Across America’ Day
HARTINGTON- March 2 was Dr. Seuss or Read Across America Day. Every year, schools all across the United States use this as a way to recognize and celebrate reading as an important part of life.
The first Read Across America Day was in 1998 by the National Education Association.
The date, March 2, is Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss) birthday therefore showing his work in the process. Dr. Seuss is known for his rhyming stories and bright illustrations.
Hartington-Newcastle Elementary teachers were looking forward to another year recognizing this day. Monica Kathol, HNS first grade teacher, started her activities by having her students make a silly character and write about it in the rhyming style of Dr. Seuss. It has been a first grade tradition to dress up as a book character for the day.
“I’m anxious to see who they all come as,” said Kathol. Kathol’s class read “Bartholomew and the Oobleck” and made the odd substance afterwards. Oobleck consists of only two ingredients, cornstarch and water. It is a fun activity for the students because it is somewhere between a liquid and a solid.
The HNS preschool classes also participated through their own fun activities by making green eggs and ham. On Thursday the preschool enjoyed popcorn and talked about the 5 senses with the popcorn. On Friday they made oobleck.
The preschool through third grade had dress up days throughout the week. Monday’s theme was mixed-up Monday. HNS hosted district speech on Tuesday so there was no dress up theme. Wednesday students dressed up like their favorite book characters. Thursday was pajama day and Friday’s theme was fun in the sun. The kids wore sunglasses and brought beach towels and books.
On Monday the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade after school workout program, Happy Feet, had Seusstastic Stations. They did activities like a balloon relay, Cat in the Hat themed Workout, Truffla Tree Scooter Scoot, Fox in Socks themed Sock Slide, and Green Eggs and Ham Song/Workout.
Read Across America Day reminds us of how important reading is to children’s growth and development.