Celebration Proves Reading is 'Where it's Hat'

Millions of people nationwide made a special effort to pick up a book and celebrate reading on Wednesday (March 2, 2005) as part of the 8th annual Read Across America event.

WEAC President Stan Johnson reads the Dr. Seuss classic "Green Eggs and Ham" to students at Meadowview Elementary School in Eau Claire. (Photo by Steve Kinderman, Eau Claire Leader-Telegram)

WEAC and the NEA sponsor the event, which highlights the importance of literacy and reading for leisure by encouraging students, teachers and community members to participate in special reading activities. The event is celebrated on March 2 — Dr. Seuss's birthday — in honor of the Pulitzer Prize-winning children's author who would have turned 101 this year.

WEAC President Stan Johnson and State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster spent the day at Meadowview Elementary School in Eau Claire. "We are pleased to join Meadowview's staff and students as they celebrate one of the most important and fun lessons in life – the joy of reading, " Johnson said. "Statistics show that children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school. That is why we continue to support this national event."

Governor Jim Doyle celebrated by visiting classrooms. He met with 2nd-graders at Woodside Elementary School in Wisconsin Rapids, where he read aloud Dr. Seuss's "Oh the Places You'll Go!" He also read the book with 6th-graders at Columbus Elementary School in Appleton.

The governor chose "Oh the Places You'll Go!" — Dr. Seuss's last published book before his death in 1991 — because it is about overcoming adversity, he said.

WEAC members across the state planned special activities to mark the event. Dodgeland Education Association member Sue Madsen said students at her school celebrated with an evening of reading and storytelling.

In Kenosha, students dressed like Dr. Seuss's famous characters such as the Grinch and Fox in Socks. Staff also invited guests to read to students, said Barbara Brever, who teaches at McKinley Elementary School.

Student WEA members from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club by reading to children, Student WEA member Jessica Halstead said.

Photos from Wisconsin's Read Across America events will be posted to OnWEAC later this week.

NEA President Reg Weaver spearheaded the national celebration with the event's co-captains Tiki and Rande Barber. The Barbers are twin brothers who play professional football in the NFL. They are dedicated literacy advocates who have co-written a book, "By My Brother's Side," about the importance of hard work and persistence. The brothers have also supported the "It Should Be Me" writing contest, which motivates children to read and write.

Weaver and the Barbers spent Read Across America Day with students in Washington, D.C. "Nothing is more important to the future of America than our children," Weaver said. "We are pleased to have two American all-star football players take the time to lead and guide our children so that we can all come together and embrace our common goal of educating for the future."

Members can find out more about Read Across America by visiting the NEA Web site.

Posted March 2, 2005