What's Up, Doc? Recalling the Fun of Reading

As a teacher, my all-time favorite activity has been the national Read Across America Program. An entire day is spent reading. Family, school, and community members are invited to schools to read to the children.

Dr. Seuss stories are emphasized. For me, reading FOX IN SOCKS is the most enjoyable experience with my kindergarten students. I read the book as fast as I can; its increasingly difficult tongue twisters entertain the children as I attempt to keep from tripping over my tongue. By the time I reach the bit about the tweetle beetles, I am laughing so hard, it is difficult to continue!

What do you know
about tweetle beetles?
well...

When tweetle beetles fight,
it's called
a tweetle beetle battle.
And when they
battle in a puddle,
it's a tweetle
beetle puddle battle.

AND when tweetle beetles
battle with paddles in a puddle,
they call it a tweetle
beetle puddle paddle battle.

AND...
When beetles battle beetles
in a puddle paddle battle
and the beetle battle puddle
is a puddle in a bottle...
...they call this
a tweetle beetle
bottle puddle
paddle battle muddle.

AND...
When beetles
fight these battles
in a bottle
with their paddles
and the bottle's
on a poodle
and the poodle's
eating noodles...
...they call this
a muddle puddle
tweetle poodle
beetle noodle
bottle paddle battle.
AND...

(More lyrics at this website).

Go ahead, read it. At ANY speed, it is a challenge!

Read Across America began in 1998 as a way to motivate children to read. Research has shown that children who spend more time reading do better in school. The event was created by the National Education Association (NEA). Motivating children to read is an important factor in student achievement and creating lifelong successful readers.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss. March 2, 2015 is Read Across America Day and this year, the book is the Seuss classic "Oh the Places You'll Go!" Children of all ages will be delighted and surprised as they study the amazing life of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). He is one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time.

Now in its 18th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. Contact your local school and get involved!

"You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, 18, and 14-year-old triplets Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy, Mikko, & Max, 17-year-old cat Hunter, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. Randy has wisely decided to delete the bit about being Karen's boss in order to continue living in his happy home. His column will appear here every other Tuesday.