March 2nd is National Read Across America Day, let’s celebrate!
The History Of National Read Across America Day
The National Education Association started National Read Across America Day in 1997 by the National Education Association (NEA).
This holiday occurs every March 2nd, and its date coincides with the famous Dr. Seuss’s birthday.
Dr. Seuss was born in Springfield, MA, and is the author of numerous well knows children’s books.
The Purpose Of National Read Across America Day
The purpose of this holiday is to promote reading, especially encouraging reading with children. Whether you are reading Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who! or The Cat In The Hat, or Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep, reading and reading aloud is time well spent.
We, as writers, especially appreciate this holiday because this holiday also celebrated the culmination of our work. Many writers have a goal of publishing a book, and without people reading the publications, our golden nuggets of writing would go unread and unnoticed.
So, in addition to the intended purpose of promoting reading, this holiday also celebrates the writer. Why, because without the author, there would be no reader.
Ways You Can Celebrate National Read Across America Day
There are countless ways to celebrate National Read Across America Day. Here are a few suggestions that I hope will inspire you.
Sample new books
Go to your local library, find your favorite book section, and choose three books at random. Sit down and start to read each of these books. Sampling is a great way to discover new authors as well as genres.
Read to a child
Reading to a child is one of life’s more pleasurable activities. Sitting quietly and reading the prescribed Dr. Seuss story pauses time, creates bonding memories, and stimulates both the child’s’ and your imagination.
Some suggestions:
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith and Katz Cowley
Read to your lover
As with reading to a child, reading to your lover is also one of life’s more pleasurable activities. Choosing a book together and taking turns reading is quality time that will enrich any relationship.
Some suggestions:
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
At Home by Bill Bryson
Participate
Many libraries and schools host an open reading time to allow reading enthusiasts to read aloud to school children.
Read from your journal
Keeping a journal is integral to being a writer. Taking the time to read what you wrote in the journal is important.
Take out a journal that you haven’t looked at in a while, and read what you wrote. I find it quite interesting to see where my mind was at previously. You may also spark new ideas for stories that you previously wrote about in your journal.
What I’m Doing To Celebrate National Read Across America Day
My wife and I frequently read aloud to each other. This year, on National Read Across America Day, we will continue this tradition by reading Stephen Kings Dr. Sleep.
Romantic, I know 🙂
Happy National Read Across America Day!
Talk soon,
Sandy
P.S. Don’t forget to share your other writing friends. Feel free to share this content on Facebook.
Today’s Quote
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
Also …
Did you see my recent post Top 10 Writers Productivity Tips For Any Writer? Check it out! and drop a comment or share on Facebook.