Brains grow more thoughts the more they are fed
March 1 is designated as the National Education Association's Read Across America day for this year, also known (apparently) as National Read-Aloud Day. Generally celebrated on March 2 (Dr. Seuss's birthday), but that's on a Saturday this year.
The goals and implementation of the project are a little vague, but the gist of it appears to be that adults should help and encourage kids to read on that day. How can you go wrong with that?
There are a few particularly odd plans for celebrating the day, such as this one from the local California listing:
Students in my class will turn me into an "Ice Cream Sundae" on Read Across America Day to celebrate their accomplishment of reaching their reading goal of 10,000 minutes read.
It's interesting that the emphasis seems (at least in CA) to be so much on reading aloud; I certainly approve of reading aloud, but I wonder if it's the best way to encourage kids to read. For example, in this article about last year's event, an adult tries to read a Dr. Seuss book to a classroom but isn't familiar enough with the book and has a hard time with it:
"Can you guys tell I don't know the story?" asked Zacher, as he stumbled through the rhymes. Three children raised their hands and screamed out "Yes!" Zacher said that it's good for the younger kids to see adults showing an interest in reading to them.
That's as may be, but wouldn't it be better for kids to see adults showing an interest in reading well? Always practice before reading aloud. Especially if you're trying to convince kids that reading is good.
Hmm. Maybe it's time to have a story reading.
(Btw, title of entry is taken from rather silly "Readers' Oath" on the NEA site.)