On Friday morning, the costume-clad classes of Montessori Academy of Valparaiso took part in National Read Across America Day! Students were dressed from head to toe in the costumes of their favorite storybook characters and joyfully reading their books with their parent/grandparent alongside them.
From Batgirl to Harry Potter to Dr. Seuss characters, a plethora of childhood favorites were represented in the class as parents were ushered into the room by the festively dressed teachers of Montessori to celebrate and encourage literacy in America.
"We want to support parents reading with their children and how important it is to spend that special time with their child each day," said Dawn Tasher, owner of the Montessori Academy of Valparaiso.
Students and parents sat on carpets and tiny chairs and leafed though their books, telling stories of dragons, pioneering scientists, superheroes, tickling aliens, and much much more. It was a celebration of reading and the joy all kids experience when they lose themselves in another world, along with a parent, and take an imaginary journey through magical lands.
"We have been doing this event for a few years now and it is inspiring to see how dedicated the parents are to making this moment a special one for their children to remember. For me, Read Across America Day brings the children a true excitement for reading. All the activities and projects that we do help the children to relate to a story or character from a book, and that brings out the lessons to be learned. I still remember making Green Eggs and Ham with my Kindergarten teacher when I was 5 and that shows what kind of lasting impact activities like this really have on the children," said teacher, Monica Ray.
Read Across America Day was established to provide greater motivation and awareness for childhood literacy and encourages every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2nd, which is the birthday of children's book author, D. Seuss. Initially started by the National Education Association in 1997, the event has grown tremendously in popularity since then.
Other teachers in the school were enthusiastic about the opportunity as well:
"Books can be a child's best friend. We are happy to read & share our favorites with our friends at school!" said Sarah Choate.
"I enjoy the creativity each child expresses through their love for reading," said Daniela Laba.
"I love seeing how much enjoyment that the children get from reading the books and how they can relate to the characters that they read about," explained Chelsea Larsen.
