Huntington Learning Center Celebrates Read Across America Day

Calling all children, parents and others who love to read: March 2, 2017, is Read Across America Day. Huntington Learning Center joins millions of elementary and secondary teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, education support professionals, librarians, students and others in the education industry as well as members of the National Education Association (NEA) to celebrate this annual literary event, now in its 20th year.

Read Across America Day also marks the birthday of revered children’s author, Theodor Seuss Geisel: the beloved and prolific Dr. Seuss. The celebration’s goal is to inspire children and adults alike to read by offering reading resources and organizing fun events and activities. While March 2 is the official day of celebration, the NEA strives to build a nation of readers all year long—through events, partnerships and a range of reading resources that make reading more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Everyone at Huntington loves Read Across America Day because it is a day that we join our community members and celebrate reading for the entertaining and worthwhile escape that it is. A good book can inspire the mind and nurture the soul. We stand behind the NEA’s goal with this annual celebration of one of the world’s most influential authors to help more children discover new knowledge and adventure through books.

Here are several suggestions for parents to encourage their children to read:

• Visit the library often. The library is free for everyone—take advantage of the books, e-books and other resources that it offers. Most libraries also host many activities for children of all ages. Make visiting the library a weekly tradition.
• Download a free e-reader app. Open eBooks puts books in the hands of everyone. Learn more about President Obama’s ConnectED initiative to make books available to all children and how to download and use Open eBooks.
• Have a happy reading hour. When everyone in your household gets into the habit of reading, your child will be more likely to associate it with fun family time. Spend time together at least a few nights a week with books, blankets and mugs of hot chocolate.
• Engage with other readers. Part of the joy of reading is talking about the stories you’re reading. Websites like Goodreads are a wonderful way for children to engage with peers and share their thoughts about the books they’re enjoying and seek book recommendations. Ask your child’s teacher about book clubs or groups through school, too.
• Try it all. Magazines, comic books, newspapers and blogs—these are all great ways to engage reluctant readers who are less enthusiastic about books for one reason or another. Remember that reading is reading. If your child isn’t excited about books, there are many other ways to get him or her reading, so keep trying.

To learn more about Read Across America or to get involved, visit www.nea.org/readacross. For more reading tips and ideas, visit www.huntingtonhelps.com.