Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

http://clipartmag.com/dr-seuss-graphics

Today I'm beginning a break

Unlike the one Ross and Rachel would take.

With no classes to teach,

Writing time's within reach

Lots of progress I’m hoping to make.

Happy Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss's birthday! Today always reminds me of my late friend Barb, a reading specialist at the elementary school where I worked. She started making plans at least a month ahead for ways to celebrate this day (week!). Meticulous when it came to detail, she made sure everything was in place for a week that celebrated reading. Other reading specialists (Julie, Patty, Amy, another Julie) would follow and do a great job but, for me, Read Across America Day and Barb are inextricably linked.

This week, I have winter break and, while reading is high on my list, writing is at the top. I have more plans than I have time but that actually feels like a great way to start the week. So many choices!

Happy Monday, Happy Read Across America Day and, perhaps most important, Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss.

Friday Freebie: What Does Dr. Seuss Have to do with Dick, Jane and Sally?

en.wikipedia.org

Last Saturday, I referenced the Dick and Jane readers in my post. In looking for a picture to accompany the post, I stumbled across this article. While reading about the clashes between educational philosophies was familiar (as long as there are educators, there will be philosophy wars), I'm glad I my elementary school chose to hold on to Dick and Jane. I've often wondered if I'd have learned to read as quickly if I'd had to suffer through phonics. In fact, 35 years later, the whole word approach proved useful with my daughter as well.

If you, like me, grew up on Dick, Jane, Sally, Spot and Puff, I hope you enjoy Mental Floss's fun facts as much as I did.