Read Across America

On March 1 people across the United States will “read across America.” The celebration focuses on reading that reflects the uniqueness of each state in the country. Your family can join in the fun. Even if you don’t make it on that day, remember that you can read across American EVERY day.

CONNECT:

The National Education Association, who started this celebration in 1998, offers resources and activities to enjoy: http://www.nea.org/grants/886.htm

One of the inspirations for “Read Across America” is Dr. Seuss, whose birthday is March 2. Salute Dr. Seuss with some of the activities mentioned at http://www.seussville.com/activities/RAA13_EduKit_Booklet_WEB.pdf

Watch prior Read Across America celebrations at http://www.readacrossamerica.org/?page_id=38

Love to travel but don’t have the money or the time? Here’s a way to travel across America by reading about all of the 50 states: http://www.nea.org/grants/50-state-booklist.html

What are some award-winning books to read for this occasion? First Book Marketplace has some great suggestions: http://www.fbmarketplace.org/

Want to hear what families say about about books for young readers? Listen to these podcasts: http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/podcast-series/chatting-about-books-recommendations-30130.html. There’s txting about teen readings too: http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/podcast-series/text-messages-recommendations-adolescent-30214.html

CREATE:

Even if someone in your family can’t read, there are always wordless books. Find out how to share one at http://vimeo.com/17817448 

Cook up some Seussical recipes: http://www.nea.org/grants/Seuss-inspired-recipes.htm

You can follow great reads at Google Lit Trips: http://googlelittrips.org/. You might try planning your own literacy trip using these tools.

Each state has its own reading awards. The list is found at http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/awards/stateawards.html.  Find out what’s being nominated in your state, and read those books. You might be able to vote to the winning one!

CARE:

Start reading at home. Even if your child is a baby, the experience of reading aloud to that baby in your lap sets up an atmosphere of love and literacy. Here are some more keys to helpin a child become a good reader: http://www.cta.org/raa

Reach Out and Read (http://www.cynthialeitichsmith.com/lit_resources/awards/stateawards.html)is a project that uses volunteers to help provide literacy-rich doctors’ literacy-rich waiting rooms. Family can help by reading aloud to children as well as donating gently used reading materials and furniture.

Like to read aloud? LibriVox volunteers read and record chapters of books in the public domain, and make them available for free on the Internet. Check out details and register at http://librivox.org/volunteer-for-librivox/

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) motivates children to read, and there are many ways to volunteer and donate. Check out the options at http://www.rif.org/us/get-involved/volunteer.htm

CAREER:

Almost all careers involve reading. If you like to read, here are some good career starters: librarain, writer, editor, publisher, teacher, historian, lawyer.

http://www.bls.gov/k12/reading.htm

http://education-portal.com/articles/Careers_for_Reading_Lovers.html

http://careers.collegetoolkit.com/career-search/criteria/skills/readingcomprehension.aspx