National Read Across America Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The second of March is National Read Across America Day, a celebration of our favourite activity. The day was established in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to encourage children to read. The day occurs annually on the birthday of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss, so the ideal way to celebrate is to don a Seussian hat and read one of his well-known stories, such as “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.” On National Read Across America Day, students, teachers, parents, and members of the community come together to read books and celebrate the joy of reading – join us!

The background of National Read Across America Day

“The more you read, the more you will understand. “The more you know, the more places you’ll visit.” – Dr. Seuss

March is celebrated annually as National Reading Month. Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2, which is also the birthday of Dr. Seuss, one of the most beloved children’s book authors of all time. Reading about his wonderful characters’ adventures is a rite of passage and the ideal way to get children interested in reading.

Read Across America Day is more of a reading programme that encourages everyone to read and interact with children to make reading more enjoyable and interactive. From childhood, when the foundations of our character are laid, to adulthood, when we seek solace in the pages of a book to escape the monotony of daily life, reading plays a crucial role in our development. With the introduction of smartphones and tablets, it is now more important than ever to encourage children to read.

Since 1998, the National Education Association (NEA) has led the Read Across America initiative. Their primary mission is to improve the quality of public education. Events have been organised in libraries, schools, and communities across the nation to encourage reading. Teachers and group leaders can also take a pledge and post their ideas on the NEA website. This will attract more interest and attendees to the event.

In addition to teachers and librarians, celebrities are also contributing to the creation of a new generation of readers. Since the day’s inception, actors, athletes, and other celebrities have used their platforms to promote the joys of reading, and some have even participated in children’s reading circles to draw attention to this cause.

List of Important Days in March 2023

NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY ACTIVITIES

Make a book your companion.

If you have a good book, you will never feel lonely. Celebrate National Read Across America Day by bringing your favourite book out for coffee, wine, or dinner. Sit at a bar or two-person table and lose yourself in your book while in public.

Attend a reading.

On National Read Across America Day, groups across the country host readings. Check out what your local libraries and bookstores have to offer, and if you have children, find out what their schools have in store. Some events may seek volunteers to read aloud to children — what a delight! (and a gift).

Host a birthday celebration for Dr. Seuss.

Invite guests to a celebration of Dr. Seuss and reading! Serve snacks with a Dr. Seuss theme, such as butter-side-down toast and green eggs and ham, and have guests read passages from their favourite Dr. Seuss books.

5 reading facts that will blow your mind

According to studies, reading reduces stress by 68%.

An estimated forty percent of students are deemed poor readers.

20 minutes per day of reading equates to 1,800,000 words per year.

Children acquire between 4,000 and 12,000 new words annually through reading.

Students in classrooms lacking mini-libraries read 50 percent fewer books than those with classroom libraries.

NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	March 2	Thursday
2024	March 2	Saturday
2025	March 2	Sunday
2026	March 2	Monday
2027	March 2	Tuesday