Groups celebrate Read Across America with activities, storytime, parade
The Don Harrington Discovery Center (DHDC) and Storybridge are among groups participating in the National Education Association’s National Read Across America Day by hosting events on Saturday, March 4.
During their event, the Discovery Center will offer storytimes from a variety of books throughout the day, at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Doors will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 4:30 p.m. Activities related to well-loved stories will be available for visitors to participate in. Those in attendance are also encouraged dress up as their favorite book character.
"Books are exciting for many reasons, and there are some that speak to everybody. ... We will be featuring a wide range of books, so there will be something for everyone. We will not be reading all of Harry Potter in the middle of day, but we will be reading different things that really speak to a wide range of students," said Jennifer Noble, community engagement manager for DHDC.
According to Noble, books not only offer educational aspects such as the broadening of vocabulary, general knowledge enhancement and prevention of age-related cognitive decline, but reading also offers non-educational benefits, such as fostering the imagination and stress relief.
To demonstrate the impact that reading can have on an individual, Noble shared one of her personal book favorites and what it meant to her.
"There was a book that I've read at least 20 times, 'Ella Enchanted,' which is funny to look back on now, but it was one of those things that transported me from what I was doing. It was funny and magical, and it was just so charming and fun. It's incredible how words on a page can do that," Noble said.
According to DHDC, they now provide literacy initiatives in a hands-on, collaborative space for visitors at all learning levels and educational interest with the opening of their exhibit, the Literacy Corner, and their new weekly program Storytime at DHDC.
"Books can really change the way you think and change the way you see the world, and I think literacy is so important in so many different aspects. In highlighting that reading can be fun and exciting and important, it's really key in what we do here at the DHDC," Noble said.
As stated in a news release by DHDC, literacy has been shown to impact many aspects of life. For example, populations with higher literacy rates have also shown higher economic productivity, lower healthcare costs, and even lower levels of involvement with the justice system.
The Discovery Center stated they also intend to increase access to literary resources in the community and to bridge the gap in educational achievement existing in vulnerable communities.
The Read Across America event is included with a DHDC membership or can be attended at regular admission price. Preregistration is not required. To view admission pricing or learn more, visit DHDC online at https://discoverycenteramarillo.org .
Storytime at DHDC is held every Wednesday, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit their page online at https://discoverycenteramarillo.org/event/storytime-at-dhdc/ .
Storybridge celebrates Read Across America Week with Cat in the Hat March for kids
Storybridge will host a Cat in the Hat March for children on Saturday, March 4. For the read aloud and free book, parents are asked to bring kids who would like to participate to the east parking lot at Heal the City by 10 a.m. The parade will begin at 10:40 a.m. on 6th Street, between Carolina and Alabama.
Kids will get a free book and a hat for the march, while supplies last.
"This week is Read Across America week, and Storybridge is celebrating Amarillo-style, with a children’s parade on Historic Route 66," a news release says. "The parade will be led by the Tascosa High School Drumline and Tascosa Cheer, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and the one and only - Cat in the Hat."“There is something about the sound of Seuss in a child’s ear that sparks something important, and it’s been that way for generations of children," said Chandra Perkins, Storybridge Director. "Inviting kids into the Cat and the Hat book, and then marching with him levels up the whole experience, forever connecting the book to a personal memory. That is how books become a part of us, a part of our story.”
To learn more about their mission and programs, visit storybridgeama.org.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Celebrate Read Across America with DHDC Storytime, Storybridge parade
