By Danielle Smith, Keystone State News Service
Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden on Unsplash
March is National Reading Month, and this week is Read Across America Week, a nationwide celebration encouraging children to discover the joy of books and stories.
In Pennsylvania, schools and libraries across the state are holding special events designed to get kids excited about reading or listening to books read aloud.
Beth Phillips, a professor of educational psychology and learning systems at Florida State University, said the observance is closely associated with the birthday of Theodore Geisel, or Dr. Seuss.
“The first thing we want young children to understand is that books are worth caring about,” she said, “and Dr. Seuss figured that out. He figured out how to make books engaging and worthy of paying attention to.”
In 2024, data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that 38% of Pennsylvania fourth graders performed below the basic level in reading.
This year’s national theme is “Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers.” Students at McIntyre Elementary in Pittsburgh are taking part in literacy activities that celebrate reading and showcase diverse voices and stories.
Phillips said literacy development starts from birth by talking with children and surrounding them with language, adding that it’s also important to introduce them to books and the alphabet early on.
“The most important thing to be starting really early is building these children’s very strong language skills,” she said, “and then, as they get a little older, focusing on introducing them to how print works and how books work, like the idea that it’s the text that tells the story.”
In Wilkes-Barre, a Read Across America event is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with storytimes planned every 20 minutes and craft activities available for children.
You Might Also Like
