Readers across America share Dr. Seuss books with Pottsville third graders

Mar. 3—POTTSVILLE — Read Across America week has taken on new meaning during the pandemic.

To celebrate the annual observance, John S. Clarke Elementary Center third-graders are hearing Dr. Seuss stories read to them from, literally, across the country.

"I thought about my friends and family that reside in not only Pennsylvania, but other states as well, and realized that with a little planning, we just might be able to 'Read Across America,' " said teacher Stacie Cromyak, who has taught in the district for 22 years.

On Tuesday morning, 19 students in her class and six learning virtually heard her friend, Kimberly Matsko, of Madison, Wisconsin, read "The Cat in the Hat" through Zoom, with the video projected on a smartboard. A few children chuckled as she read and the students thanked her when she finished her 15-minute reading.

Cromyak then assigned the students to write about a time they made mischief, like the main character in the titular Dr. Seuss book does. As an example, she told them about the time her son spread toothpaste all over the bathroom.

She said she came up with the idea to invite people from around the country to share stories as a way to bring in guest readers during the pandemic. Last year, she had several guests come and read to the class.

She kicked off the week by reading "The Sneetches" and asked students to complete a writing about what they like best about themselves, and to determine the amount of money the main character, Sylvester McMonkey McBean, made from the fictional creatures.

Others scheduled to read this week are Cromyak's sister-in-law, Sara Cromyak, who will read "Wacky Wednesday" from Seattle, Washington; her son, Nathan Cromyak and his girlfriend, Aslynn Herring, both in the Air Force, who will read "What Pet Should I Get" from Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Cromyak's friend, Leah Hoak, of Pine Grove, who will read "The Lorax" and lead the students in a planting activity.

Read Across America encourages not only reading but also dressing up for themes that coincide with Dr. Seuss' books. That includes "Oh, the Places You'll Go," where students wear either a shirt with their favorite place to vacation or dress up as someone in an occupation they may want to pursue, such as a police officer; and "Fox in Socks," where students can wear crazy socks. On Tuesday, which was the author's birthday, students could dress in different patterns.

The National Education Association has been coordinating Read Across America since 1998. It coincides with Seuss' March 2 birthday.

Acting Principal Michael Maley said the goal for the week is to "get students excited about reading and to celebrate literacy.

"We always want to create opportunities for our students to get lost in a good book," he said.

Books to cease publication

Read Across America week comes at an interesting time this year. Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the business that preserves and protects the author's legacy, announced it would stop publishing six of Dr. Seuss' books because they contain racist and insensitive imagery.

The books are "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," "If I Ran the Zoo," "McElligot's Pool," "On Beyond Zebra!," "Scrambled Eggs Super!" and "The Cat's Quizzer."

Asked about the company's decision, Cromyak said she doesn't think children read into the books the same way adults do. She also noted that "The Sneetches" is designed to promote diversity and being oneself.

"His whole reason for writing is for kids to read as early learners and to use word families," she said. "They see the rhymes, goofy characters and eccentric illustrations."

Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter