On Friday, Philadelphia READS celebrated literacy and Dr. Seuss’s birthday with a Read Across America/Philadelphia celebration throughout the city! Participants doing a read aloud of this year’s selection “Horton Hears A Who!” included former Philadelphia Eagle Hollis Thomas, Jr., former WBA Cruiserweight Boxing Champion Nate Miller, and Author Ellen Langas from the Girls Know How® series. They, along with members of City Council and State Representatives, were at several schools supporting all of the day’s activities. In addition, Philadelphia READS has an activity packet available online for educators and parents to use in collaboration with this year’s selected book.
“Reading is the key starting point for success, no matter what goals and aspirations you may have,” said Councilman At-Large Derek Green. “Although we live in the nation’s largest poorest city, we are fighting to ensure that our children have the best jumpstart on their future that we can give them, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.
Councilman Derek Green
Events like Read Across America Day, along with the diligence of parents/guardians to read at home, and campaigns like Read By 4th, will undoubtedly have our kids reading at the appropriate level by 4th grade; ultimately setting them on the journey to creating a prosperous and rewarding life for themselves and their families.”
This annual event highlights Dr. Seuss’s lasting power to spark the love of reading in children. “We are so grateful for the generous support of our City Council and government officials who make Read Across Philadelphia such a wonderful event for our students. In addition, we cannot express enough thanks to our volunteers, guest readers and all those who continue to support Philadelphia READS” said Dr. Robert F. DeFinis, Executive Director of Philadelphia READS.
Philadelphia READS provides meaningful opportunities for individuals, community groups, corporations and foundations to help students build strong literacy skills by the end of third grade. Philadelphia READS volunteers and stakeholders can inspire a life-long love of reading and help put a child on the path to academic success.
Four core programs — The Jacoby Book Bank, Power Partners, Reading Olympics, and Summer READS serve students and teachers in Philadelphia’s under-resourced schools in low-income neighborhoods. To learn more about our programs and how you can make a difference in the life of a child in our city, please visit us at www.philareads.org.
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