In honor of Read Across America Week, Cordova Recreation & Park District's District Administrator, Patrick Larkin, took it upon himself to spend his mornings reading to the children of Discovery Kids Preschool.
Patrick created this tradition for himself to spread the importance of reading among our community. "I truly value education initiatives like this that connect parents with their children, but also provide an opportunity to embrace the power of stories. Storytelling is vital to culture because it shaped the way history was passed down through generations. Plus, reading to them in this fun way helps them learn that reading is enjoyable. Research shows that reading for pleasure is just as important as required reading for school. It helps our youth build vocabulary, imagination and creativity. So, with that in mind, I love bringing the Cat in the Hat to our preschool kids because I get to encourage reading through the connectivity of stories," Patrick said.
Patrick will attend all three Discovery Kids Preschool programs this week for story time, including March 1, the official Read Across America Day celebration for the National Education Association. Discovery Kids Preschool students will enjoy specially themed treats and crafts during each session with Patrick.
The National Education Association's Read Across America Day is often celebrated on March 2, Dr. Seuss' birthday. However, this program encapsulates much more than the famed children's author's date of birth. "NEA’s Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading […] NEA’s Read Across America also provides NEA members, parents, caregivers, and children the resources and activities they need to keep reading on the calendar 365 days a year," (www.readacrossamerica.org).
The NEA and CRPD call for story time with your children because of its impact in educational and social development. "In our diverse and complex society, students need books that provide both windows and mirrors if we are going to create more people who feel included and recognized, and who understand that the world is far richer than just their experiences alone," (www.readacrossamerica.org).