Senator Farley Notes March 2nd Is Read Across America Day

As Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Libraries, Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectady) notes Monday, March 2nd, is the National Education Association's Read Across America Day, which encourages people to read to children. This annual event is held around the anniversary of the birthday of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel).

"What better way to honor this children’s author than to read to a child," Senator Farley said.

Dr. Seuss was working to promote literacy in the 1950s, when he strung together 220 words into the now famous “The Cat in the Hat” book. This was the first of his many popular children’s books. Incidentally, an undiscovered manuscript of Dr. Seuss was discovered and will be published later this year. Information about the author can be found at website www.seussville.com, and the Read Across America initiative can be found at the website http://www.readacrossamerica.org/

"Reading is a fun activity that opens the mind to all sorts of adventures," Senator Farley said. "As Chairman of the New York State Senate Select Committee on Libraries and a former teacher, I try to promote reading and learning as much as possible. Parents have a very important responsibility in their children’s growth and education. Studies have shown that children whose families are involved in their learning become higher achievers and learn more quickly than children whose families are not. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s not difficult to help your children learn. The best way is to encourage them to read," Senator Farley said. "When children see their family members reading, writing and conversing, they naturally want to participate."

Senator Farley said at least 15 minutes a day of reading to children or encouraging other language activities could make a difference in a lifetime of learning.