Mar 8

Mar 8 Read Across America celebrated throughout Duplin County

Photo by Laurie Lee Sholar, Beulaville Elementary School

Read Across America is one special week when schools pay particular attention to sharing the love of reading.

Tammie Blackburn, a Beulaville Elementary Kindergarten teacher in her 29th year of teaching, said, “It is centered around Dr. Seuss’ birthday since he is one of America’s most famous childrens’ book writers. In our class, we focus on a different Dr. Seuss book each day and do an activity with that book.

Kenansville Elementary teacher of 26 years, Robyn Sutton said, “I enjoy the children’s excitement! This is also a great time to focus on rhyming words!”

Across the country during Read Across America week, schools enjoy a variety of guest readers, art projects, and writing related to Read Across America.

“Personally, I enjoy seeing the guest readers read with my children,” said Blackburn. “For the children, though, the best part is dressing up - our school usually plans a dress up day for each day of Read Across America week.”

Beulaville Elementary second-grade teacher, Tara Parker says, “I participate in order to show my students that reading isn't just for kids in school because they have to. I want to show them my genuine love for reading in hopes that it will foster a love inside of them as well. They have such bright and creative minds, and I want to show them how reading can help their imagination grow even more!”

Blackburn believes children who are read to by their parents from their earliest years have a great head-start on their education. “I can’t say enough how important it is for children to hear good books read to them by family members every day. Not only is it helpful in learning to read but also plays such a vital role in listening skills, vocabulary development, language skills, confidence, and family bonding!“

Across Duplin County, as well as across the country, classrooms celebrated Read Across America week.