I am excited to share a new #Holiday with you which falls on March 2. The holiday celebrates National Read Across America Day, which is celebrated on Dr. Seuss’s birthday, and it’s one of the funniest holidays to celebrate.
How Read Across America Day Began
- Read Across America was launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to motivate children to read and celebrate literacy.
- Traditionally observed on March 2, aligning with Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
- The modern theme focuses on “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers”, encouraging inclusive book choices.
- NEA provides year‑round reading calendars, diverse booklists, and activity guides.
Tips for Hosting Your Own Read Across America Event
- Create cozy reading zones with pastel blankets, pillows, and floral touches to match your classroom.
- Invite guest readers—teachers, grandparents, local authors, or older students.
- Set up themed stations:
- Rhyme Time Corner (Dr. Seuss–style rhyming games)
- Make‑Your‑Own Bookmark craft table
- Read & Snack station with Seuss‑inspired treats
- Encourage costumes—Cat in the Hat hats, Thing 1 & Thing 2 wigs, or simple red‑and‑white outfits.
- Host a book swap so families can trade gently used books.
- End with a group read‑aloud of a classic or a diverse modern title.
DFW Events You Can Join
Many schools and libraries host their own celebrations; here are regional literacy‑related resources and community events:
- Dallas Downtown Association – Read Across America Day Their community event features local readers, businesses, and organizations coming together to share stories.
- Literacy Texas Calendar A statewide hub listing literacy‑related events, conferences, and celebrations. While not all are Seuss‑specific, it’s a great place to find reading‑focused happenings around March.
(Local libraries in Haltom City, Fort Worth, Grapevine, and Arlington typically host storytimes and craft days around March 2—these are usually posted on their individual calendars.)
Books to Read (Mix of Classic & Diverse Picks)
- The Cat in the Hat — Dr. Seuss
- Green Eggs and Ham — Dr. Seuss
- Oh, the Places You’ll Go! — Dr. Seuss
- Last Stop on Market Street — Matt de la Peña
- The Day You Begin — Jacqueline Woodson
- Ada Twist, Scientist — Andrea Beaty
- Eyes That Kiss in the Corners — Joanna Ho
- The Lorax — Dr. Seuss (great for environmental tie‑ins)
Kid‑Friendly Recipe: “Green Eggs & Ham” Breakfast Cups– A playful, easy recipe
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (or spinach purée for natural coloring)
- Diced ham
- Shredded cheese
- Salt & pepper
- Mini muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk eggs with coloring or spinach purée.
- Add ham, cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Pour into greased mini muffin cups.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set.
- Serve warm with a fun Seuss quote card.
Homeschool Lesson Plan (Multi‑Age)
Theme: Reading, Rhyming, & Imagination
Subjects: Reading • Writing • Art • Social Studies • STEM
Early Learners (Pre‑K–1st)
- Read‑Aloud: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish
- Phonics: Identify rhyming pairs.
- Math: Count fish cutouts; sort by color.
- Art: Create a pastel “Cat in the Hat” hat using red/white strips.
- Movement: “Hop on Pop” hop‑and‑read game.
Elementary (2nd–5th)
- Reading: Compare two Dr. Seuss books—characters, rhyme patterns, themes.
- Writing: Write a short rhyming poem in Seuss style.
- STEM: Build a tall “Hat Stack Tower” using cups and paper plates.
- Social Studies: Explore how books reflect culture and diversity.
Middle School
- ELA: Analyze Seuss’s use of rhythm and meter.
- Research: How NEA shifted the holiday toward diverse literature.
- STEM: Explore environmental themes in The Lorax.
- Writing: Opinion essay—“Why Reading Should Be Celebrated Year‑Round.”
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
