On March 2nd, we observe Read Across America Day. Traditionally, libraries and schools celebrated this day by reading beloved Dr. Seuss books and organizing Seuss-themed activities. However, in recent years, the focus has shifted to highlight multicultural and diverse literature. This change provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce students and parents to a broader selection of children’s books and create programs that emphasize acceptance, kindness, and cultural diversity.
Here are some engaging activities and ideas you can incorporate into your schools and libraries to celebrate Read Across America Day or any reading celebration:
Author Studies:
- Choose an author who writes diverse books or features multicultural characters.
- Create a bulletin board display with the author’s name, a brief biography, and book covers from their works.
Recommended authors include:
- Ezra Jack Keats
- Patricia Polacco
- Tomie de Paolo
- Matt de la Peña
- Jacqueline Woodson
- Peter Reynolds
- Allen Say
Encourage older elementary students to research an author and create displays for Read Across America week.
Contents
Get Everyone Involved
- Invite staff, parents, and students to share their favorite books from their own cultures or countries.
- Discuss why these books are meaningful to them and what they represent.
Use the recommended titles in various ways
- Create an interactive Book Recommendations wall.
- Hang book covers on a world map, connecting them to their respective locations.
- Set up a “Where in the World?” corner, encouraging students to read the same book to discover where you are.
Hold a Culture Fair
- Organize a school-wide culture fair, assigning each class a country or culture to represent.
- Provide guidelines and encourage creativity.
- Celebrate diversity through food, music, art, and storytelling.
Reading Theme or Spirit Days
- Dedicate themed days to different cultures, inviting students to dress up, share stories, and explore traditions.
- Themes could include “Around the World”, “Cultural Heroes”, or “Global Adventure”.
Reading Challenge
- Set a diverse reading challenge for students.
- Create a passport-style booklet where students can record books they’ve read from various cultures.
- Award small prizes or certificates for completing the challenge.
- Remember, diverse literature allows students to see themselves as heroes in the story while also appreciating the richness of other cultures. Let’s celebrate a nation of diverse readers throughout the year!
Thanks for reading our post about National Reading Day. Don’t forget to read more related articles on our website.
Related Posts
- Expanding Diversity: Read Across America
- JoJo Part 7: Steel Ball Run – Everything We Know So Far
- Top 5 Favorite Silhouette Studio Shortcuts
