[March 09, 2009]

EOC celebrates Read Across America

Mar 09, 2009 (The Sun - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go," read Kandi West, who was dressed as the Cat in the Hat, to students at East Side Elementary Tuesday. West was reading from Dr. Seuss's book "I Can Read with my Eyes Closed" during the school's celebration of Read Across America.

Although the official date was set for March 2, students across Eastern Oklahoma County celebrated the day, launched by the National Education Association, the week before and throughout the week of March 2.

This celebration coincides with the birthday of Theordor Suess Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. Generally, his books are read and his famous characters portrayed during celebrations of the day.

Choctaw-Nicoma Park held their celebration Feb. 27. During their festivities, books were provided to each student, compliments of the Choctaw-Nicoma Park Association, Feed the Children and the Oklahoma Education Association.

"Kids who read, and who are read to, do better in school. And we want every child to have a book to read at home. I think with all the video games and Internet activities available to children now, we forget that a simple book can still take us on an adventure and provide just as much entertainment as video and computer games," said Teri Gray, Choctaw-Nicoma Park ACT president.

Children at the Eastern Oklahoma Technology Child Development Center took part in several activities to celebrate reading on Monday. They started their day with a reading of "Green Eggs and Ham" by Seuss, then ate a meal of the same. The students then graphed whether the meal was "Yum" or "Yuck." Various stations were set up with Seuss-themed activities for the students to work on.

Later, the students received a visit from Thing 1 and Thing 2, who posed for pictures and signed autographs for the students. Mrs. Tami Dorrell of Choctaw Junior High School read "The Cat in Hat" as well.

Midwest City fire fighters read popular Dr. Seuss stories to kindergartners and first graders at Traub Elementary on Monday. After they finished reading, the fire fighters answered questions about working at the fire department and being a fire fighter.

Read Across America was celebrated at East Side Elementary on Tuesday. Many students dressed up as characters from Suess's books to attend the school-wide program. When students entered the gymnasium, they were met by The Cat in the Hat. Midwest City High School ACE students, or teacher cadets, were dressed up as Thing 1 and Thing 2.

East Side Elementary students sang songs to guests and teachers. The first one they sang was "Read Across America," then "Green Eggs and Ham." They ended with "Dr. Suess, We Love You." Books were given to each student in attendance; the books were donated from Feed the Children and the Oklahoma Education Association. A representative from Feed the Children said they would be giving away 75,000 books, or 15 busloads of books throughout the Read Across America celebrations.

The Seuss Troupe made a stop at Crutcho Schools Thursday to celebrate Seuss's birthday with students there. The group, consisting of Creative Spirit Acting Academy performers, is an educational tour group focusing on teaching tolerance through the stories of Seuss. The group tours schools and organizations throughout Oklahoma sharing their message.

Editor's Note: Look for slideshow of Read Across America photos on our Web site! To see more of The Sun or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://mwcsun.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Sun, Midwest City, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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