As children, many of us enjoyed the cooky, zany books of Dr.Seuss. Books like The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch who Stole Christmas and Green Eggs and Ham were childhood classics that took our vivid imaginations to wondrous places.
Students in Johnson City will join millions across the country to celebrate the joy of reading on Friday – the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
The theme of this year’s Read Across America Day is “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”
“Our goal is for every student from preschool through high school is to be in the company of a book on March 2,” said NEA President Bob Chase. For Read Across America Day, extra attention is put toward children and reading.
The enjoyment of reading for children is vital, since it improves knowledge, vocabulary and comprehension.
Kappa Delta sorority has been involved with the event since its innception three years ago.
“All the research shows that when children read outside of school, they do better in school,” said Bethany Henderson of Kappa Delta. “So from coast-to-coast, teachers, celebrities, community members and parents are joining together to find ways to rekindle our students’ passion for reading.
“Johnson City’s activities promise to do just that.”
With his books, Dr. Seuss charmed his way into the memories of four generations of kids and parents, and helped millions of kids realize that reading can be fun.
These days children have many other extracurricular distractions, so reading must be given special emphasis.
“Kappa Delta has always really focused on children and we think that reading is very important for kids,” said Henderson. “This kind of event is perfect because it is tied in with the magic of Dr. Seuss.
“Through his books he showed children a different way to learn and a different way to expand their imaginations.”
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 and three Academy Awards, Dr. Suess, aka Theodore Geisel, authored and illustrated 44 children’s books. A brilliant imaginer and playful kid at heart, Giesel passed away on September 24, 1991, but Dr. Seuss’s stories live on, inspiring generations to come.
The nationwide reading party, a part of NEA’s Read Across America Day, is sponsored by the National Education Associate, Kappa Delta sorority and Volunteer ETSU. It will also include many ETSU officials. The event will be held on Friday at University School on ETSU’s campus.

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