Children lined up outside the Barbara K. Lipman Early ChildhoodSchool Wednesday to tell which Dr. Seuss book they liked best.
Ellen Whelen, 8, said she likes the "Cat in the Hat," and notjust because it's the first book she ever read.
"He could really do those things," Ellen said. "He could reallybalance a rake and a cake at the same time."
March is national Read Across America month. The NationalEducation Association uses the month in which Dr. Seuss was born toencourage children to read and to foster a life-long love ofreading, according to the organization's Web site.
The NEA chose Seuss' books because of their imaginativequalities and as a way to celebrate Dr. Suess' 100th birthday.
"(His) characters let the imagination work," said Sandra BrownTurner, Lipman School director. "It opens (the mind) todiscussion."
Turner encourages parents to spend as much time as possiblereading to their children. The school also suggests parents makereading an interactive activity continued year-round.
For small children, the NEA suggests parents use books like Dr.Seuss' that make reading fun and enjoyable.
Anna Preacher-Wright, 6, said "Green Eggs and Ham" was herhands-down favorite. "I can (read) all the words," she said,"house, mouse ... "
Integrative studies freshman Melissa Wiles said "Green Eggs andHam" is also one of her favorite books.
"It's a cute story," said the 19-year-old Lipman Schoolassistant. "Kids are interested in the story. The words are funny,and they rhyme."
In addition to rhyming, Dr. Seuss' books and characters are verycolorful, Turner said.
"His stories are about made-up characters that don't putboundaries on a child's imagination or creativity," Turner said."They are books for people of all ages because of all the placesyou will go (with your imagination)."
Although Turner and other Lipman School teachers like Seuss'books for their vivid illustrations and imagery, the kids mostlyget a kick out of Seuss' language.
Rahmi Pruitt, 8, said he likes "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish,Blue Fish" best because of the funny words.
"(Some of) the funny words are 'I have a gax. I like to box mygax,'" he said.
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Helpful Hints for Reading Aloud to Children °Choose stories or texts that respond to the child'sexpressed interests and experiences °Preview the book yourself °Introduce the book, pointing out the cover illustration, titleand author °Allow time for children to study the pictures °Point out parts of the story you particularly liked °Encourage discussion about the story when finished |
