Monday, Mar. 08, 2010
Los Banos schools celebrate Dr. Seuss
By Samantha Salas / ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com
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ReprintThe National Education Association has one motto in celebration of Read Across America Day: "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."
In honor of Theodor Seuss Geisel and his birthday, March 2 has become Read Across America Day.
The NEA estimates more than 45 million participants in the United States, Los Baños included, will be a part of this year's 13th annual celebration.
Vicki Castello, academic coach at Los Baños Elementary, played the part of the "Cat of the Hat" last week for Elizabeth Kissel's kindergarten class. Kissel's class is off track for the celebration so Castello paid an early visit to the students.
The NEA states on its Web site, www.NEA.org, that the purpose of Read Across America day is to motivate students to read, as it's an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers.
Castello agrees, which is why she's participated as a character reader for the last few years.
"There is so much literacy you can teach when the characters come alive for students," Castello said. "That's my goal. I just want the passion of reading to come alive for the little darlings."
Castello said she was upset that more schools in the district didn't participate in the celebration.
"With budget cuts, they're tightening their belts, but when it comes to literacy, it makes me so sad," Castello said. "I'm a volunteer. You can't get more economical than free."
Kissel said she was appreciative of Los Baños Elementary committing to the event.
"It's a good example for the kids," Kissel said. "It lets them know reading is fun."
Kissel said she discusses Dr. Seuss with her students often because of the rhyming element, something she stresses at the beginning of the school year when students begin to read.
"The students had a really good time. They had so much to say in their journals after she left," Kissel said of Castello.
Castello said she plans on continuing to read to students as either the Cat in the Hat or any other Dr. Seuss character for as long as she can.
"At the end of the day, why teach [students] to read if it's not passionate," Castello said. "I want them to love reading. And I know this is effective. Even when I retire, I can't imagine that love ever leaving me. As long as the teachers will let me in, I will come and read."
Beth Costa's Special Day Class at R.M. Miano Elementary spent Wednesday morning participating in a variety of activities in support of Dr. Seuss. Students made red and white necklaces, dressed up as the Cat in the Hat, hosted a "Green Eggs and Ham" act out of the story and finished off with a plate of green eggs and ham.
"I couldn't ask for a better group of students," Costa said. "I really enjoy seeing them so excited about this. They all wanted to dress up. They were all really excited about today."
Costa said she extended the March 2 celebration into Wednesday's lesson because she wanted to spend extra time on rhyming words with the students.
"We do as many activities as we can with the students," she said. "I want them to be involved."
Dr. Seuss lesson plans are just a small part of what the students do. They also participate in pen pal letter writing and a class Olympics, to name a few.
Costa said she plans on implementing Dr. Seuss activities each March.
Austin Aaron, a student in Costa's class, said his favorite thing about Dr. Seuss books is the rhyming words because they help him read. Classmate Julian Gutierrez agreed and said he enjoys "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back" the most for the same reason.
Adrian Martin, also in Costa's class, added that making green eggs and ham was his favorite part of the day in Costa's class. He hopes he can make them again at home with his family.
Logyn Gonzalez, in Costa's class, said she thinks reading Dr. Seuss books in class is good for the students. Classmate Parker Wagle added that eating green eggs and ham was good "in his belly." He was happy his mom helped Costa by cooking them for the class.
Enterprise reporter Samantha Salas can be reached by phone at (209)388-6562 or by e-mail at ssalas@losbanosenterprise.com