Students to celebrate author’s birthday – and anniversary of chapeau-centered classic
Students at Graystone Academy Charter School will take their hats off to Dr. Seuss on Friday during a two-fold, literary extravaganza.
The school will celebrate “Read Across America,” a national program commemorating the beloved author’s March 2 birthday, and they will observe the 75th anniversary of one of his classics, The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins.
Activities will include a parade in which students model their own Seuss-inspired, crazy hats, and a school-wide assembly. Students will perform other Dr. Seuss titles, recite the “Read Across America” pledge, and watch a video made by second- and third-graders of The Foot Book.
In addition, guest reader Pam Depte will visit classrooms, younger students will be paired with older “reading buddies,” and students will watch The Lorax.
“Read Across America” dates back to 1997 when a reading task force at the National Education Association (NEA) suggested “a day to celebrate reading,” according to the NEA web site. They reasoned that an activity proven to boost student achievement in school certainly deserved widespread festivities. And since one of children’s favorite authors is Dr. Seuss, the event occurs each year on or near his birthday.
