Grab Your Hat and Read with the Cat!  
Celebrate NEA's Read Across America Day

March 2, 2010 is Read Across America Day and NEA members across the country are mobilizing millions of students, parents, VIP readers and leaders to join the nation's largest reading celebration, are you ready?

About NEA's Read Across America

The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA's Read Across America. Now in its thirteenth year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.

NEA's Read Across America Day, NEA's national reading celebration takes place each year on or near March 2, the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books, and you can too!

On March 2, the National Education Association calls for every child to be reading in the company of a caring adult.

The research is clear: children who are read to, and who read for pleasure, are significantly more successful in school than children who do not. Give your children a head start on success—teach them that reading is FUN!

Reading Rockets' Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

Read early and read often. The early years are critical to developing
a lifelong love of reading. It’s never too early to begin reading to your child!
The tips below offer some fun ways you can help your child become
a happy and confident reader. Try a new tip each week. See what works
best for your child.

• Read together every day. Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the two of you can cuddle close.
• Give everything a name. Build your child’s vocabulary by talking about interesting words and objects. For example, “Look at that airplane! Those are the wings of the plane. Why do you think they are called wings?"
• Say how much you enjoy reading. Tell your child how much you enjoy reading
  with him or her. Talk about “story time” as the favorite part of your day.
• Read with fun in your voice. Read to your child with humor and expression.
  Use different voices. Ham it up!
• Know when to stop. Put the book away for awhile if your child loses
  interest or is having trouble paying attention.
• Be interactive. Discuss what’s happening in the book, point out things on the page, and ask questions.
• Read it again and again. Go ahead and read your child’s favorite book for
  the 100th time!
• Talk about writing, too. Mention to your child how we read from left to right and how words are separated by spaces.
• Point out print everywhere. Talk about the written words you see in the
  world around you. Ask your child to find a new word on each outing.
• Get your child evaluated. Please be sure to see your child’s pediatrician
  or teacher as soon as possible if you have concerns about your child’s language development, hearing, or sight.

Visit www.ReadingRockets.org for more information on how you can launch a child into a bright future through reading.

Visit the National Education Association's site for resources and materials for parents. You will find a selection of reading tips for parents and teachers, as well as book lists you can take to the library or the book store.