Read Across America on March 2, 2009

To show support for Dr. Seuss - originally known as Theodore Seuss Geisel - on his birthday, the National Education Association (NEA) will hold its annual Read Across America on Monday, March 2, 2009. The NEA hopes that parents and teachers around the nation will spend some time that day to read with a child.

Here are some ideas of what you and your kids can do to celebrate Read Across America:

1. Visit a local library. Many libraries have scheduled special programs and activities on March 2^nd to promote Dr. Seuss' birthday. Check with your local library to see what is being offered. If your local library does not have any activities planned, still make a visit and spend the time viewing the books, reading them with your children, and taking some home with you.

2. Browse in a bookstore. Many bookstores, including Barnes and Noble or Borders, have fun children's areas where you and your kids can sit and read books together. Introduce your child to a new author by looking at the new books display area or read a favorite book over and over again in a fun atmosphere.

3. Plan a fun activity to do at home. Read together a book with your kids. Afterwards, do a fun craft or game that goes along with the book. You can usually find good craft ideas online, but it could also be something as simple as depicting a scene from a book with crayons or discussing it aloud.

4. Make green eggs and ham for dinner. Read together Dr. Seuss' book Green Eggs and Ham. Then, surprise your kids with a dinner that matches the book. Older kids can even help you make the eggs with supervision. Despite how unappetizing green eggs might sound, kids love it!

5. Have a read-a-thon. Ask your children choose a stack of their favorite books. Grab some snacks and find a comfortable place to read together. Afterwards, you could even watch a movie depiction of the books you read. Many children's books have been made into fun movies, including Dr. Seuss' books. Check out your local library to find these movies.

No matter how you choose to celebrate Read Across America, kids can learn to love reading if it is presented to them in an interesting way. Parents who support reading at home and who encourage their children to read will see those reading habits develop. Ultimately, just try find a way to make reading fun!