A love of reading was shared with elementary students locally and nationwide this week in celebration of the National Education Association's Read Across America.
The event is an annual initiative to encourage reading. It is celebrated in conjunction with the March 2 birthday of Dr. Seuss, who is best known for his popular children’s books.
“Dr. Seuss played an important role in bringing books into the lives of children,” said Gigie Harder, librarian in the Falls school district. “We used this week to encourage the importance of reading and to have fun. Dr. Seuss helped make reading fun.”
Harder explained Read Across America has been celebrated in the International Falls community for at least the 14 years she has been with the district.
Members of the community and high school students volunteered to read to students at West End Elementary and Falls Elementary schools Wednesday.
“I never have a problem finding people who want to come in and read,” Harder explained. “They really seem to enjoy it.”
“When I was asked to read, I knew I would come and say I was captain of the speech team and hopefully students will remember that and join speech when they get to the high school,” said Rachel Adams.
While any children’s book could be read by community members, the week was devoted to Dr. Seuss with themed dress-up days from a few of his most notable books. The Wednesday lunch menu added a twist to students’ selections to match a few Dr. Seuss favorites.
Harder said that classrooms voted on their favorite book and decorated the classroom door to reflect the cover of the book.
“Some are very colorful,” she said of the decorated doors.
Harder added that each morning a different student announced their book over the loudspeaker.
Several teachers had their class participate in “drop everything and read” throughout the week.
“Students do exactly how it sounds — they dropped everything and read for 10-15 minutes,” Harder explained. “Most teachers did this to encourage extra reading.”
First grade teacher Lisa West said her classroom did extra reading each day throughout the week.
“Dr. Seuss has a lot of messages in his books,” West said. “The kids are good at picking those messages out.”
Community volunteer readers included Jeff Peura, Doreen Swendsen, Frank Swendsen, Van Pavleck, Rachel Amdahl, Doug Dault, Andy Fougner, Diane Adams, Jeff Kerry, Shawn Mason, Jerry Hilfer, Tom Vollum as well as several guests in uniform.
High school student readers were Hannah Kruse, Sarah Remus, Rachel Adams, Tayler Hebner, Austin Ruport, Jared LaVigne, Elizabeth Kruse, Autumn Silvers, Rachel Foss, Sarah Christenson, Cassie Salo, Ashley Belanger, Bailey Bernard, Maria Shermoen, Kelsey Foss and Bo Herzig.
Project Read
The Project Read program is collecting donated books that fit the theme of encouraging kids to enjoy reading. The program, directed by Gail Rasmussen, is accepting donations of gently used childrens books from the community through March 11 to be distributed to area children.
Anyone who would like to contribute can drop off their books in boxes outside each of the school offices in District 361.
Gigie Harder, librarian in the Falls school district, said response to last year’s book drive was great and she hopes to see a repeat.
