Even The Cat in The Hat Stays Safe During COVID
No one better illustrates the pleasure and power of learning to read than Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. His books are about more than a gleefully subversive feline named “The Cat in the Hat”. Dr. Seuss books are about the joy of reading and the joy of teaching children to read, through creative stories and imagination.
To honor this man who pioneered interesting books for young children, instead of the traditional “Dick and Jane” books, Prospect Elementary School held a week of fun during the week of March 1-5, 2021. It was a celebration with a purpose - to show young and old alike not only the importance of the written word, but the joy of reading as well. Since the first celebration of Read Across America, the name for the nationwide celebration instituted in 1998 by the National Education Association, this event has become a national tradition that annually attracts people of all ages in communities across the nation.
March 2nd was the celebration of the 117th birthday of Dr. Seuss. Students participated in a week full of activities. Each day found students, both in school and virtually, engaging in activities that reflected characters and ideas from some of the most famous Dr. Seuss books.
On Monday, students wore colorful or mismatched socks for Fox in Socks. Tuesday found student dressing their best or as their favorite storybook character to honor Happy Birthday to YOU! On Wednesday, students were invited to wear pajamas to enjoy the Sleep Book. Thursday’s theme was You are Only Old Once. Students did a great job dressing like they were 100 years old. Friday brought a rainbow of colors to the halls and computers or Class Color Day to celebrate One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. A Day students were treated to Green Eggs and Ham on Tuesday and B Day students enjoyed it for lunch on Friday.
The “Cat in the Hat’ stopped by on Wednesday and spent lots of time looking for students only to find that on that day of the week all students are learning remotely this school year.
Plans are already in the works for next year’s celebration! Our hope is that we can get back to the full excitement of celebrating the week as in the past to encourage students and families to continue reading not only Dr. Seuss books but books by all authors.
