Georgia Prepares To Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday And The Joy Of Reading (The Children's Museum of Atlanta)

 

Sunday, March 2, 2014, Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday, will mark the 16th 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 event’s state sponsor, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), in conjunction with The Children’s Museum of Atlanta, have once again planned an exciting kick-off for the week’s activities, which will be taking place in schools, libraries and businesses throughout Georgia.

The official kick-off event will take place on Monday, March 3 from 11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Children’s Museum and will include a Read-A-Thon, where boys and girls (up to age 8) will listen to guest readers. Confirmed readers include State Superintendent John D. Barge. 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 more information and directions.

“The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is thrilled to, once again, partner with Read Across America. 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.”

“This is one of my favorite times of year,” said GAE President Calvine Rollins.  “Our public schools and libraries are just abuzz with activity over reading Dr. Seuss and other stories.  The imagination that is used in many of the programs is just amazing to see.  All of these programs serve to remind us of the significance of instilling a love for reading in our children at an early age.  And we can’t say enough how a good, solid foundation in reading will keep our children on the path to a successful academic experience. We again thank The Children's Museum of Atlanta for their generosity in agreeing to host this wonderful event.”

Read Across America Kick-off Schedule at The Museum:

11:00 a.m. –  Special reading by State Superintendent John D. Barge

12:00 p.m. – Bookmark Craft

1:00 p.m. – Reading of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back by Dr. Seuss

2:00 p.m. – Stray Cat Strut

3:00 p.m. – Cat Nap Story time with the Cat in the Hat 

NEA’s Read Across America began in 1997 as a “Green Eggs and Ham” read-in. The event 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 maybe even a few pets here and there – 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 in your own community, the GAE recommends contacting your local public library or school to see if they have a need for readers for their events. National event partners such as Barnes and Noble Bookstores and Target also schedule events. Check respective websites for details or visit www.nea.org/readacross. See what others are planning or tell us what your family, school, or business, is planning by visiting: http://www.readacrossamerica.org/ and choosing Georgia.

GAE, in conjunction with the Georgia Public Library Service, has produced a pamphlet entitled “The Parent’s Guide to Read Across America.”  The pamphlet contains information on the event, reading tips and resources for parents and a copy can be picked up at The Museum.