Theodor Seuss Geise was born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts and was an American writer and cartoonist. He was most widely known for his children’s books, which he wrote and illustrated under the pseudonym Dr. Seuss.
Geisel published 46 children’s books, often characterized by imaginative characters, and his brilliant gift of rhyme. His most-celebrated books include the bestselling Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hears a Who!, and, the holiday favourite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. His written works were turned into many adaptations, including 11 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical and four television series. He won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958 for Horton Hatches the Egg and again in 1961 for And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street.
Susan Hooper, Library Technician at Prairie Waters Elementary School, said “As part of March is Reading Month, students at Prairie Waters Elementary School will be reading some of the works of Dr. Seuss. Theodor Seuss Geisel better known as Dr. Seuss was born on March 2. One of his books is “Wacky Wednesday”, where a young boy wakes up one morning to fine everything quite wacky in his world”.
A special assembly was held at the school on Monday March 2nd, where teachers, staff and students dressed ‘wacky’. Everything from Dr. Seuss themed attire, wearing their clothes inside out and backwards to hairdo’s that were nothing short of wacky. Mayor Patricia Matthews was on hand to celebrate with the students and read the “Reading Pledge” with the students. The students participated in silly games and were also given special treats. The assembly wrapped up with the students standing and singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to the great Dr. Seuss.
National Education Associations (NEA) Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2–Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books, and you can too! Incorporate these guides and activities to celebrate reading with young people.
Here are some alarming statistics when it comes to reading. In Canada, 42% of Canadian adults between the ages of 16 and 65 have low literacy skills. 55% of working age adults in Canada are estimated to have less than adequate health literacy skills. Shockingly, 88% of adults over the age of 65 appear to be in this situation. Less than 20% of people with the lowest literacy skills are employed. It has also been proven that children that are read to as early as when they are newborns, grow to love reading and continue it throughout their life. Who knew that bedtime story could be so important.
The Dr. Seuss celebrations will continue in Chestermere this month as the Chestermere Public Library hosts a Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash and Spring Reading Kick Off Party on March 28th from 12pm – 3pm at the library.
