Guest Post by Author, Beth Brown, Ph. D.

As a children’s book author, I’ve always cherished the spirit of Read Across America Week, which takes place from March 2nd to March 6th, 2024.

This annual celebration of literature, inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, is a time when families and communities unite to revel in the joy of reading. Dr. Seuss captured the hearts of millions with his imaginative characters, playful rhymes, and timeless stories. His books, such as “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!,” have become beloved classics, enchanting readers of all ages and inspiring generations to embrace the magic of storytelling.

However, in today’s digital era, where screens often dominate children’s attention, the traditional joys of reading can sometimes feel overshadowed. As a coach and educator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges of competing with flashy gadgets and instant entertainment.

Yet, amidst these modern distractions, Read Across America Week emerges as a beacon of hope—a time to reclaim the joy of reading and rediscover the wonders of the written word. It’s a reminder that, despite the allure of technology, the timeless enchantment of a good book remains unparalleled.

How to Celebrate Read Across America Week with Kids

Reflecting on the essence of Read Across America Week, I realized its profound potential to address this dilemma head-on. It’s not just a celebration—it’s a call to action, an invitation to reignite the passion for storytelling that resides within each of us. It’s an opportunity to cultivate a culture of reading that transcends the confines of the classroom and permeates every aspect of children’s lives. In the face of digital distractions, Read Across America Week serves as a rallying cry for families, educators, and communities to come together and reaffirm their commitment to nurturing young minds through the power of literature.

Here is a series of insights and takeaways that I believe are fundamental to the essence of Read Across America Week:

1. Community Engagement through Reading: Read Across America Week isn’t just about reading—it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate the power of stories. Organize a neighborhood book exchange where families can share and swap their favorite reads. Host a virtual read-aloud session with friends or classmates, taking turns sharing passages from beloved books and discussing their favorite characters and plot twists.
2. Exploring the World of Dr. Seuss: At the heart of Read Across America Week lies the spirit of Dr. Seuss and his whimsical characters. Dive into a week-long Dr. Seuss-themed adventure by reading a different book each day and engaging in related activities. Create your own Seussian rhymes and illustrations or stage a dramatic reading of a favorite Dr. Seuss story, complete with costumes and props.
3. Diverse Voices, Diverse Stories: Read Across America Week encourages us to celebrate the rich tapestry of voices and experiences found in children’s literature. Take a trip to the library or bookstore and seek out books that highlight diverse cultures, identities, and perspectives. Encourage children to explore stories from different parts of the world and engage in discussions about the themes and messages they encounter.
4. Creative Literacy Activities: From themed dress-up days to book-inspired crafts and activities, Read Across America Week sparks creativity and imagination. Create a DIY storybook featuring your child’s own illustrations and writing or design a themed scavenger hunt based on characters and settings from their favorite books. Encourage children to write their own stories or poems inspired by the books they read during the week.
5. Empowering Young Readers: More than just celebrating books, Read Across America Week empowers children to see themselves as readers and storytellers. Set aside dedicated time each day for independent reading, allowing children to choose books that interest them and read at their own pace. Create a reading nook or cozy corner where children can curl up with a good book and immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling.

As Read Across America Week approaches, I’m filled with anticipation and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead. It’s a time to come together, ignite imaginations, and celebrate the boundless magic of reading. So, let’s dive into the pages of our favorite stories, embrace the joy of storytelling, and inspire the next generation of readers to embark on their own literary journeys. After all, within the pages of a book, anything is possible, and the next adventure awaits.

About 

Beth Brown, Ph.D., is a life-long educator on a mission to inspire families and kids to have fun, become more active and learn life lessons through sports in her children’s book series Adventures with Divot & Swish. After picking up a basketball at age 2 and swinging her first golf club at age 8, Beth was hooked on sports. Her youth sport participation paved the way for her collegiate success as a member of the University of Oklahoma basketball and conference champion women’s golf teams. She currently serves as Senior Player Development Advisor for the recently launched United States Golf Association’s (USGA) U.S. National Development Program and National Teams.

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