Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss

The National Education Association is sponsoring its 11^th National Read Across America Day on Monday, March 3. Read Across America day was created to remind parents of the importance of reading to their children, and even coincides with the birthday of a very important children's author: Dr. Seuss. Regardless of the fact that it is Dr. Seuss's 104 birthday, his literature spans decades and still excites and teaches children today.

When I was a child I was heavily interested in reading. In fact, I started at age 2, believe it or not. Reading was one of the few constants in my life, and I can still remember what my favorite book was; Green Eggs and Ham. I would read it every day, dozens of times over. The joy in a book written with such witty rhymes and fun illustrations makes an impression on a child. On top of reading Green Eggs and Ham, my other favorites included Cat in the Hat, Hop on Pop and Oh the Places You'll Go.

I don't know how my life would be different without Dr. Seuss and his wonderful books, but I do know that I would not appreciate reading as much as I do now. Reading with my mother, as a child, is one of those memories that just stick with me. I do know that when I was a child, my eggs would have been less fun to eat, well without the green dye and all.

When I was a teenager, I don't think I properly credited my nights of staying up, sucked into a novel. I knew only that the world of books was an amazing one where anything could happen. Thinking back, it was the world that Dr. Seuss created for me. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but reading those books was the foundation for reading for my entire life.

When I found out I was going to be a mother, one of the first gifts I received was a box full of Dr. Seuss's classics. Reading them all over again reminded me of the wonderful worlds he thought up. Children not only get to read about amazing worlds and creatures, but they get to experience language development. Parents only want to give their children the best, and the works of Dr. Seuss seem a natural pick.

Now I get to read to my son at night. His favorite seems to be Hop on Pop. Perhaps this is because it is one of his favorite pastimes, maybe it's just because the rhythm of the rhymes is very soothing for a child. Either way these books provide me with something that is priceless: Bonding with my son while teaching him and developing his reading comprehension skills.

And while my son is sitting there, pointing out a cat and saying "meow" I know that he will someday be able to read these books to me. Reading to children is such an important thing to do, even for a small amount of time every day. Of course, I can never leave the room without having read at least three books. But there is a beauty in that. So for Read Across America Day I think I will read at least 10 books to my son today.

And of course, they will all be written by that lyrical genius, Dr. Seuss.