Local students celebrate “Read Across America” day

Kids all over the country celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with “Read Across America day”

News Channel 3’s Jeremy Chen visited Amelia Earhart Elementary in Indio where there was one question on everyone’s minds… do you like green eggs and ham?

Volunteers from the community took part in “Read Across America” day- a nationwide initiative to foster a kid’s love of reading. They included first responders and even News Channel 3’s Jeff Stahl as “the Cat in the Hat”, one teacher says the Dr. Seuss books are a good motivator for kids.

“He changed literacy for kids by writing books that were fun, so he changed the whole course of teaching reading to kids.” said 1st-grade teacher Diana Londos.

Two little free libraries were also installed at the school thanks to the Indio Sunrise Rotary Club. They plan on installing at least one at every elementary school in Indio. One Rotarian says he wanted to make it as easy as possible for kids to read.

“This makes the books much more available for kids that want to learn to read that would like to have books available to them,” said Bob Schneck of the Indio Sunrise Rotary Club

Now the concept of the little free library is quite simple. All you have to do is bring a book, put it in the drop box, and take another book out. Teachers say it is essential for students to encourage reading in order to create more opportunities

“It’s my number one job. If I don’t teach these kids to read, they’re not going to succeed in life so reading is the basis of all subject matter,” said Londos.

By which a love of reading these volunteers are hoping to instill.

The Rotary Club is planning to build libraries at 2 more schools. If you’re interested in getting one for your school, contact the Indio Sunrise Rotary Club.