Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.
In cities and towns across the New Jersey, teachers, teenagers, librarians, politicians, actors, athletes, parents, grandparents, and others develop NEA's Read Across America activities to bring reading excitement to children of all ages.
Bringing smiles throughout the state
February and March don’t only bring snow to New Jersey; they bring Cats to our area as well. Sound unusual? Not for some members.
Every year, five retired NJEA members don a seven-foot costume and present themselves to New Jersey’s children—and sometimes television cameras and sports fans—as the Cat in the Hat.
In recognition of Dr. Seuss, the beloved children’s author, and in support of efforts to increase childhood literacy, Linda Behm, Jean Carl, Nick DeLiberato, Joe Jannicelli, and Eileen Pinchinson play the role of the Cat for NJEA’s Read Across America program. Between them, they visit nearly 300 schools in a six-week period of time.
Did the Cat visit you?
We want to hear about it! E-mail us two or three of the best digital photos along with a description of your Read Across America celebration. Here's how...
Tell us what you’re doing
Let us help promote your event in advance. Take a minute to let the Cat know how you celebrated Read Across America in your school.
Looking for ideas?
- Read about how schools across the state celebrated last year.
- Here are some suggestions on how to promote your event within your community.
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Visit NEA's Read Across America site for a host of event ideas, free downloadable resources, favorite books, and merchandise.
Is your community taking the pledge?
Towns all across New Jersey were encouraged to proclaim Wednesday, March 2 as Read Across America Day. By sending in a proclamation, the mayor and council members in that town endorse Read Across America-NJ, calling on the citizens of their town to assure that every child is in a safe place reading together with a caring adult on March 2. Each mayor’s declaration urges their community to commit to engaging in programs and activities to make America’s children the best readers of the world. See sample proclamations