“Mr. Kindred has been a guest in my room for the previous three years,” Kraus said. “I invite him in each year to do this lesson in preparation for Read Across America Day, which is March 2, Dr. Seuss’ birthday.”

The children’s drawings are then matted on construction paper and posted in the windows at the school in order to participate in an art contest held each year at Sierra View as part of the celebration.

On March 2 at Sierra View, teacher Kimberly Spencer’s second grade class prepared green eggs and ham – in homage to Seuss’ famous book – in the morning, then a parent cooked it up for the class to eat later that morning.

At Fair Oaks, Kindergarten teacher Jane Burns dressed up like the Cat In The Hat to the surprise and delight of her students. She decorated her classroom with Dr. Seuss books and stuffed toys of his book characters. First grade teacher Donna Bryant brought in guest readers throughout the day.

Each year, Read Across America takes place on or near Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Its focus is to motivate children to read through various events and reading resources. Thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers across the country participate annually in this reading event.

For more information about Read Across America go to www.nea.org/readacross.