Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/2866
FPO Gearing up for Read Across America R ead Across America is just around the corner, and “Reading Is Cool” is the California theme for the annual event. The theme goes with this year’s spotlighted book, Snow- people, by Rick and Ryan Zeeb, which is being reprinted espe- cially for CTA’s celebration on March 2. The book is about a group of snow people who begin to wonder why they all look alike. Their search for individual identities brings them to New York City, where they learn that “Different is brilliant. It’s what makes you YOU.” NEA l aunched t he R ead Across America program in 1997. The nationwide reading celebra- tion takes place each year on or near March 2, t he birthday of children’s author Dr. Seuss. The effort has grown annually, and now thousands of creative events are hosted all across the nation. This year’s honorary Califor- nia co-chairs are National Hock- ey League star Luc Robitaille, the highest-scoring left wing in NHL history, and actor Jason George of TV’s “Eli Stone.” Robitaille, who currently serves as presi- dent of business operations for Illustrator Will Terry’s original artwork will accompany this year’s Read Across America theme of “Reading is Cool.” the Los Angeles Kings, was an NHL star for 19 seasons. The Kings are one of this year’s spon- soring partners. CTA is delighted to have the participation of children’s book il- lustrator Will Terry this year. Terry has created special artwork for our celebration. CTA members will be able to access Read Across America art and materials through the CTA website (www.cta.org/community/ Read+Across+America). In addi- tion, stickers, pencils, water bot- tles, rubber stamps and Read Across America apparel will be available at upcoming CTA con- ferences. In addition to the Los Ange- les Kings and Will Terry, CTA welcomes as partners the Amer- ican Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Barnes & Noble, the California Library Associa- tion, the California School Li- brary Association, California Professional Firefighters, The Los Angeles Dodgers Dream Foundation, Fir st Fin ancial Credit Union, Kaiser Permanen- te, Scholastic, and See’s Candies. Frank Wells Get started now to make this year’s Read Across America memorable for you and your students: > Remind your principal about the event and refer him or her to the CTA or NEA website (www.nea.org/readacross) for additional information and ideas. If March 2 conflicts with your school calendar, arrange your celebration for another day that week or even the week before or after. > Consult your school librarian, who may have event ideas and resources to offer. > Invite “guest readers” to visit your school and read to students. Visits from police officers, firefighters, radio/ television personalities, athletes, political figures and other community members can make a big impression on young people. Ask your guests to tell your students why reading is important in their lives and what their favorite books were when they were children. > Share your plans with your colleagues. Pledge to participate on the NEA website and keep your local association office informed of what you’re doing at your school. Let your local media outlets and education reporters know about your event. 24 California Educator | december 2008 • january 2009 Illustrations © 2008 by Will Terry