Elementary Education Students Create Read Across America Event for Children
By Andrea Meyers, English major
Seton Hill’s undergraduate and graduate Elementary Education Program students created a special event to celebrate National Read Across America Day on March 2, Dr. Suess’ birthday.
“Dr. Seuss is one of the most prominent and beloved children’s authors! Did you know that Theodor Seuss Geisel was best known for authoring over 60 children’s books!” said Kathleen Harris, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education and Applied Social Sciences.
With a strong push for reading year round, this year’s event included children’s books that speak to a diverse audience. The event was created to have “a new focus on books that tell children of color or of different gender identities that they belong in the world and the world belongs to them” according to the National Education Association.
Seton Hill’s Child Development Center offers its children the chance to have fun in a dynamic environment devoted to fostering caring, kindness, empathy and thoughtfulness. The children sing, dance and participate while learning through a curriculum that encourages learning independently. At the Read Across America event, they took part in a variety of fun reading and learning activities developed by the Elementary Education Program students.
“I believe Dr. Tamburrino [assistant professor of education] will institute ‘Reading Across America’ as a yearly event to celebrate the love of literacy for all young children,” said Kathleen. “Dr. Seuss would be very proud! It was a great day to celebrate Green Eggs and Ham and The Cat in the Hat!”