‘Read Across America Day’ is celebrated annually and coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2. First contrived by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1997 ‘Read Across America Day’ has grown in scope and popularity. Originally, the idea was to inspire children and teenagers to enjoy reading and to read more. However, the campaign has grown to incorporate additional goals. ‘Read Across America’ strives to educate everyone about the benefits of reading. In the words of the NEA, its purpose is to “create and celebrate a nation of diverse readers.”
Today, the celebration has bloomed throughout America as a fun week of reading activities for schools, as well as other organizations too. Activities include guest readers, mystery readers, book clubs, book tasting, book scavenger hunts, and more.
The celebration at Belle Fourche South Park Elementary was organized and orchestrated well.
Second grade teacher Kelsey Ruzicka, a member of the South Park ‘celebration committee’ was responsible for this year’s event. She explained that in addition to the dress up days and the various reading activities there was also an important learning milestone to celebrate.
Belle Fourche South Park Elementary has participated a supplemental reading program called Lexia for the second year in a row. The significant increase in Lexia reading scores was the culmination of a full week of reading celebration.
“The Lexia celebration will be an all-day thing. Each grade level will have a challenge during their PE time. We will then have a championship challenge at the end.” Ms. Ruzicka explained.
At the end of the day students gathered in the gym. Teams from grades 1-4 were chosen to represent their grade. Each grade competed against two teams of teachers in a race. Activity mats were placed on fast moving carts.
Each cart was manned by the four team members. A timed relay race ensued. The fourth grade team members of may have won the race, but everyone was a winner in a fun, challenging, entertaining, and educational effort to improve and celebrate scores.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here
