Read Across America with Dr. Seuss

Flipping open a book doesn’t always have to be about school. First grade teacher, Marla Walker said it can also be fun.

“Just trying to have fun and inspiring the children to want to read everyday.”

This week is the Read Across America Week, and students at John McIntire Elementary are celebrating by reading their favorite Dr. Seuss books. When reading, Walker said her students think reading time is about fun.

Walker comments that, “They don’t realize that they’re learning.”

Director of Instructional Services for Zanesville City School District, Dr. Halle Randles, said Read Across America Week makes sure kids are ready for anything under the sky.

“We’re really looking at preparing kids for college and career,” Randles said.

All week at John McIntire elementary, grade schoolers are learning the value of reading. It’s even a huge part of Walker’s yearly plan.

“I want them to be lifelong readers, so when they come into my room, that’s my first goal,” Walker said.

It’s something they’ll take with them forever. Assistant Director of the Muskingum County Library System, Blair Tom, agrees. “I think the theme this year Oh! The Place We’ll Go! will also highlight that reading is an essential life skill.”

And like anything, it’s more fun with someone by your side.

Tom said, “it really encourages young people to read together, to be read to, adults to share that so everyone is reading at some point.”