Thursday, March 2, 2023
Students in MPS schools are celebrating the joy of reading in honor of Read Across America. The annual observance is designed to promote literacy and introduce children to new ideas, topics, and authors. Read Across America is built upon the theme “Create and Celebrate a Nation of Diverse Readers” and is observed each year on March 2.
At Nathaniel Hawthorne School, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson took time to chat with children and talk about the importance of education. Along with Gerron Jordan of WISN, they each read Grace for President to several classrooms.
Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin Mandela Barnes stopped at Oliver Wendell Holmes School to encourage students to keep reading to make the most of their education. He chose to read to students from the Little People, Big Dreams series of books.
Ralph H. Metcalfe School welcomed Mary Stoker Smith of FOX6 and community members including fire fighters and police officers. They shared their favorite books with a number of classrooms and shared messages about the importance of reading.
Parkside School received a number of visitors including local community leaders, first responders, and city officials to spread the joy of reading. Visitors shared inspiring books and personal messages about how education helped them achieve their dreams.
At 81st Street School, special guests Genene Hibbler from The Compassionate Widow and Tamika Marable, Mrs. Oak Creek America, hosted guest readers to share books with students. They featured The Children’s Gift Series, with author Dionne Grayson on hand to read with students.
Reading together as a family is a great way to connect and support children’s literacy skills. For very young children, read a book out loud and talk about what is happening in the pictures. For elementary-age readers, take turns reading out loud and talking about what the characters are doing. For older children, talk about a favorite book, the choices characters made, and how those choices impacted the story.
Suggestions for book selections and activities are available from a number of highly respected sources. Check them out and plan an inspiring day of reading for your family!
MPS Reads: Monthly lists of suggested titles for all ages that reflect diverse characters.
Caldecott Medal: Annual awards recognizing artists for the most distinguished American picture book for children.
Coretta Scott King Book Awards: Given annually to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values.
Newbery Medal: Annual awards recognizing authors for the most distinguished contributions to American literature for children.
NEA Read Across America: Suggested titles and activities for all ages.
Wisconsin Writers Hall of Fame: Learn about famous authors who made their homes in Wisconsin including Carl Sandburg, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and John Ridley Jr.