Happy Read Across America Day!

Read Across America Day commemorates the birthday of Theodor Suess Giesel, known simply to the world as Dr. Suess.  The wonderfully imaginative stories that he created are generally considered reading for children.  However, the whimsical characters and engaging language of Dr. Suess' writings touch a chord in teens and adults, as well.  On one occasion a few years agi, the principal at the high school where I taught read the book Oh The Places You Will Go by Dr. Suess to the entire student body via closed circuit television as a tribute to our graduating seniors.  It was both an amusing and touching gesture which sparked some very interesting discussion in our classrooms.  Proof positive that Dr. Seuss is not just for young children.

President Obama released a very eloquent and moving tribute to Dr. Suess in the form of a Presidential Proclamation today.  You can read the text of this document at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/01/presidential-proclamation-read-across-america-day-2011.  To learn more about the life and works of Dr. Suess, go to the official Dr. Suess website at http://www.seussville.com/.

I hope that Read Across America Day 2011 is the day that you make a commitment to making reading an integrated part of your FACS curriculum.  Helping our students to learn to appreciate books and reading isn't only the responsibility of our elementary teachers.  We all need to join them in this important endeavor.

Have a Fresh FACS Day!
Ramona