Lance Celebrates Dr. Seuss With Reading

Students sat in rapt attention Monday as began to celebrate the National Education Association's Read Across America with Rep. Leonard Lance, R-7th, reading to the kindergarteners.

First with "The Cat in the Hat" in honor of the late Dr. Seuss's upcoming birthday Friday, and then with "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too?" for a second class, Lance spent the morning reading to the students and answering questions about his work in government.

"It is very important that we encourage children to read," Lance said. "It is heart-warming, and I found both classes very enthusiastic."

According to Adamsville principal Mitzi Morillo, she was contacted by Lance's office to ask whether they would allow him to come and read to the students. She agreed, and said this is part of a week, actually beginning Friday, to encourage students to read.

"There are many ways the kids can enjoy reading," she said. "With this, we show that, as adults, we enjoy reading too."

Students got involved in the readings, laughing with delight about the Cat in the Hat, and answering an emphatic "Yes" when Lance read the book about whether all animals have mothers too.

"There is an excitement about reading, and we are hoping to inspire the kids to see members of the community as readers," said elementary teaching specialist Monica Hammond, who added that other district administrators have been invited to read to the students throughout Read Across America week, although they have not yet put together a schedule. "The kids get exited to have someone read to them."

Hammond said the week will include a Reading Chain on Friday, when all students and staff will go out into the hallway with their books and read for 10 minutes.

"And individual classrooms will be doing activities, reading contests and learning about Dr. Seuss," she said. "Hat Day will be Friday too because that is Dr. Seuss's real birthday."

So, Bridgewater, are you going to celebrate Read Across America Week? What is your favorite book?

Tell us in the comments!