Read Across America
Read Across America is such a special celebration that was introduced by the National Education Association (NEA). Read Across America is celebrated on March 2nd annually, but the program gets celebrated all of March. However, Read Across America is technically celebrated all year long.
The Read Across America program heavily focuses on encouraging students to read, whether they are inside or outside of the classroom. The program is designed in a way to ensure that the books are enjoyable, relatable, diverse and fun!
Celebrating Read Across America in your classroom can be an enjoyable activity that your students will love!
How You Can Celebrate
Devoting time specifically to read with your students can give your students a break from their usual lessons, while still focusing on vocabulary, reading comprehension, fluency, etc. Depending on the age of your students, you can choose to popcorn read, read in a special section of your classroom like the bean bag chairs, or break into groups.
Some schools may even host special events related to Read Across America. Check in with your school to see if they are holding any events.
Where You Can Find Books
The great thing about Read Across America is that any book will do just fine! However, the NEA provides resources to access free or low-cost books for this special celebration if they are needed. The NEA also provides online or audiobooks to accommodate needs for those who do not prefer a physical copy.
Here is a list of some popular books that can be incorporated into your classroom for Read Across America Week:
- Look! A Book! by Bob Staake
- The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
- Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
- Carter Reads the Newspaper by Deborah Hopkinson
- Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
- We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom and Michaela Goade
- Yasmin the Superhero by Saadia Faruqi
- The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer and Chris Sheban
- All Because You Matter by Tami Charles
- The World Needs More Purple by Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart
Giving Tips For Readers
Some children don’t enjoy reading, or may even struggle with it. However, there are still ways that you can make reading enjoyable for your students. Take turns reading, breakdown when new words are introduced, read something that brings interest or familiarity and take breaks throughout the book that leaves time for discussion.
Introducing reading to your students is so important, especially at young ages. It helps with a child’s developmental stage, their vocabulary, it increases their creativity, helps them with communication and their overall knowledge.
By celebrating Read Across America week with your students, you will make a huge impact in not only their education but their lives. Reading is a critical part of a child’s development. For more information about Read Across America Week, click here.