Read Across America Week is a time where elementary-age students are urged to read for leisure outside of school.
Seneca High School took the initiative a step farther to assist its students with opportunities for career advancement.
First grade students from Southampton School District were bused to Seneca on March 2 for Dr. Seuss’ birthday, ready to interact with high schoolers who had other plans in mind to get the younger students energized.
“Through helping with Read Across America, I’ve realized that there are connections to my learning; it just goes to show how fun interactive games can help youth grow and learn so much,” senior Kylie Mitchell said.
“It also reminds me that a positive attitude makes all the difference — wearing a smile makes it fun for everyone involved.”
Mitchell joined a handful of other students at the direction of educators Jen Wolfson and Lynne Ritter, who coordinated much of the day’s activities. Participants included clubs such as Future Educators and Family and Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), and creative drama students.
“My FCCLA kids did ‘Fox and Socks’ and then the kids colored a sock that was their activity for that,” Wolfson said. “Each book had an activity game, some kind of interaction.”
Child development students, who also are involved in Seneca’s preschool program, utilized the day to prepare for tending to younger kids, and to determine whether or not they want to stick to elementary education or be a parent.
“An experience from today that stood out to me was getting the opportunity to work with an aide that was there to support some of the children,” senior Madeline Dwyer shared. “It helped me better understand how everyone learns differently and reinforced my desire to minor in special education.”
Recognizing the purpose of the week and Dr. Seuss’ enthusiastic approach to children’s books, many participants recalled their favorite children’s books, from “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown to “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss.
Dwyer added the nostalgic factor of her chosen book, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by Michael Rosen, brought her closer to her parents growing up as one of four daughters in the family.
Channeling her favorite Dr. Seuss line, Dwyer said she loves “‘From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere,’ because the words helped teach me to laugh my way through life and always find the positive in things!”
