Local students take part in Read Across America Week

JACKSON, Tenn. — Thousands of stories were shared Wednesday as part of Read Across America Week and in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

What looks like story time at Isaac Lane Technology Magnet Elementary School is actually part of a weeklong celebration. It’s sort of like a librarian’s birthday party for famed children’s author Dr. Seuss, which happens to fall during Read Across America Week.

Web Exclusive: See reporter Victoria Taylor read to students at Isaac Lane Elementary School.

“It’s really just a fun way to get the message out and to highlight the benefits of reading and the importance of reading to your children and encouraging your children to find something they like to read and how that fits into the bigger picture,” said Jean Little, humanities and literacy coordinator for the Jackson-Madison County School System.

It’s a chance for kids to discover the power of stories to take them anywhere, but the bigger picture is harder to imagine.

Literacy Mid-South, an agency based in Memphis, says about 14 percent of the country’s population over the age of 16 doesn’t read well enough to understand an article written at the eighth-grade level.

While schools can teach students the skills needed to devour chapter after chapter, educators say the work has to continue at home.

“Experts recommend 20 minutes a day — a bedtime story is a great place to start,” Little said.

Fifth grader Timya Bryant credits her dad for encouraging her to start turning the pages.

“My dad bought me a book and he wanted me to read it, and at first I didn’t want to read it ’cause I thought it was, like, boring. But when I opened the book I actually loved it,” Timya said.

Educators say reading doesn’t have to be from a book. They say you also can point out words and letters with pictures on food menus so children can start making a connection.