Read Across America is a national literacy initiative encouraging elementary through high school students to dive deep into a love of reading and share that with others. This week is centered around the birthday of well known children’s author, Dr. Seuss on March 2nd (1904).
At Hemet Unified School District, students and staff have engaged in a large range of activities to celebrate Read Across America week. Cottonwood school especially, has hosted a packed week of activities for students, staff, and families.
Cottonwood School celebrates Read Across America week with spirit days and unique activities for each day of the week, associated with different Dr. Seuss books. Monday was Sleep Book day where students wore their pajamas to school.
Tuesday’s book was Fox in Sox for a silly sock day. Guest readers from Hemet Unified School District and the local community came to visit classrooms that day and share some of their favorite stories with students; this took place in many schools throughout the district. Visiting readers such as district librarian Dagmar Rea, even donated their favorite books to the school library.
The following day students sported mustaches for their The Lorax day. Wednesday was also a buddy reading day, pairing older and younger students at the kindergarten through 8th grade school. Older student buddies prepared by practicing inflection and other presentation techniques to provide an engaging reading experience for their younger students buddies. Younger students were also encouraged to bring their favorite books for the reading time.
On Thursday, students dressed up for their future hopes and dreams with a dress for success day for the book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Thursday evening also featured an engaging family reading night. In addition to all participating families receiving a free book, Cottonwood students presented a reader’s theater and 12 of their own original story theater productions.
Friday concluded the Read Across America student week with a favorite hat day for Cat in the Hat. Students brought and made their own hats, and for students who made or customized their own hats, each classroom had a hat competition, awarding 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Staff and students put in a lot of work for this day, in addition to the remainder of the week. March 2nd’s Saturday School was all about Dr. Seuss related activities, and making hats for students who might struggle to bring their own otherwise, and materials were provided to students to make their own hats Friday as well. One student even took a basket, turned into upside down and taped decorations on top for a creative hat.
Staff put a huge amount of effort into Read Across America week, to allow all students to easily participate in the daily activities to the fullest. The new Cottonwood library tech also provided morning activities for students who arrived early throughout the week as well as Wednesday afternoon activities for students who stayed after the minimum school day. Staff and the Parent-Teacher Organization also provided small gifts for daily giveaways for students to look forward to.
For Cottonwood School, the emphasis behind Read Across America week is to wholly embrace a love of reading and get students excited about different books and stories.