Read Across America Day: The Transformative Power of Books
On March 2nd, Fuse Project proudly joined millions across the nation to celebrate Read Across America Day, a day dedicated to fostering a love for reading among children. Established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, this annual event coincides with the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss and aims to promote literacy and motivate children to embrace the joy of reading. This year, our involvement reached new heights as we visited two schools in the Avenue community, Florence Howard Elementary School and Pathway K-5, to share the magic of books with eager students.
Read Across America at Florence Howard Elementary School
Leap Day this year brought extra joy as we celebrated Read Across America Day in conjunction with Black History Month at Florence Howard Elementary School. Under the leadership of Principal Flowers, we organized a special Read Across America Black History Read-a-Thon. Our volunteers, each passionate about the transformative power of reading, brought stories to life for the young listeners, leaving lasting impressions.
Inspiring Stories and Memorable Moments
Our dedicated volunteers selected books that celebrated Black history and culture, providing a rich and engaging experience for the students. Here are some highlights from the day:
Monique Baugh, a Fuse Project board member, enchanted Mrs. Sanders' Pre-K class with I Am Enough by Grace Byers. The young students, full of enthusiasm, shared their thoughts on the book and even made heart shapes with their hands in appreciation.
Pastor Lue brought a special touch to the reading of Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews. Not only did he read the story about the famous musician from New Orleans, but he also shared his own experiences as a trombone player, creating a unique and personal connection with the students.
Ginny Sprinkle, a member of the Order of Fuse, engaged Mrs. Richardson’s 3rd grade class with Mary Can! by Mary J. Blige. The story sparked a vibrant discussion about maintaining a positive attitude, especially important during ACAP testing. The theme "Beat Can't with Can" resonated strongly with the students.
Beth Stepan, another Order of Fuse member, shared one of her personal favorites, Just Because by Matthew McConaughey, with a 5th-grade class. Beth beautifully conveyed the book’s life lessons, encouraging the students to celebrate their possibilities and share their favorite reads.
Rev. Edwards, dressed in cultural attire for Black History Month, read More than a Princess by Delanda and Terrence Coleman to the students. This charming tale showcased the potential of girls in STEAM fields, inspiring the young readers to dream big.
Bringing the Joy of Reading to Pathway K-5
The celebration continued at Pathway K-5, where our volunteers were greeted with excitement and curiosity. Each class enjoyed stories read by two volunteers, making the experience both intimate and engaging.
Engaging Reads and Enthusiastic Readers
Our volunteers at Pathway K-5 ensured that the spirit of Read Across America Day was felt deeply:
Weathers Bolt captivated the students with The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, proving that a book without illustrations can be immensely fun and imaginative.
Cecily Harper delighted her audience with Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, a humorous and whimsical tale that had the students laughing and engaged.
Harley Griffin shared the timeless classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, a story that resonated with the students' everyday experiences and emotions.
Madison Wright read a book about colors almost as vibrant as the outfit she was wearing, sparking creativity and curiosity among the young learners.
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our volunteers—Monique Baugh, Ruth McKee, Beth Stepan, Ginny Sprinkle, Rev. Edwards, Morgan Edge, Pastor Lue, Weathers Bolt, Harley Griffin, Madison Wright, Riley Bridges, and Cecily Harper—who dedicated their time and passion to making Read Across America Day a memorable event for the students. Your efforts have not only encouraged a love for reading but also demonstrated the power of community involvement in shaping young minds.
The Power of Reading
Read Across America Day offers a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy and the joy that books can bring. By fostering a positive reading culture within schools and communities, we help children explore new worlds, expand their imaginations, and build a strong foundation of literacy skills. At Fuse Project, we are committed to continuing our efforts to create transformational change and close the opportunity gap in the Avenue community. Thank you for joining us in this celebration of reading and for helping to create a brighter future through the power of books. Together, we can ignite a lifelong love for reading in the hearts of our children.