Sharing the Gift of Reading

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell

	The scheming Grinch who stole Christmas, the whimsical Cat in the Hat, and
Horton the faithful elephant who hatched an egg are all common characters
that many of us treasure from past reading experiences. Each of these
fictional creatures has come into our hearts due to the dedication of
Theodore Geisel, better known to us as Dr. Seuss.  In honor of his March
birthday, national Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on a date
near his birthday to commemorate his important role in encouraging reading
among children.  

	When a report was released indicating the problems concerning illiteracy
among school children due to boring and fairly lifeless primers, Dr. Seuss
created the treasured work The Cat in the Hat, using 220 words from the list
of 250 primer words for first grade students.  Our society continues to
thank him for bringing a world of color and life to the children of the
world and inspiring their reading. 

	As part of the Read Across America celebration, I had the opportunity to
share the book, The Flag We Love, with second grade students at Thorpe
Gordon Elementary in Jefferson City.  Additionally, my early childhood
assistant participated in the annual Dr. Seuss Day at Auxvasse Elementary
School as part of this national celebration.  My office shared this gift of
reading, not only in celebration of this day, but as a demonstration of the
importance reading is in our society.  As both an official advisor to the
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for early childhood
programs and a father of two young girls, I understand the importance of
reading with children and the role it can play in a child's life and
development.

	In recognition of the importance of developing these skills, the Missouri
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has developed
Pre-Kindergarten Literacy Standards.  These form part of the standards
created by our state for our pre-kindergarten students, helping to delineate
skills and behaviors that demonstrate greater school readiness.
I had the opportunity to share in these classroom activities and witness
young children continue upon their path toward later learning during my
recent visit to Wellston Early Childhood Center in St. Louis. This visit was
part of the Team Read activities conducted by "Kidsmart...Tools for
Learning" at four of the schools they serve.  This innovative program helps
provide disadvantaged children in the greater St. Louis area by transferring
the community's surplus supplies and merchandise into the hands of teachers
for school children in need. Surplus items from businesses and individuals
are gathered by Kidsmart and offered at no charge to area schoolteachers for
use in their classrooms.  I ardently support their efforts in improving the
education of Missouri students, as these events help bring members of the
community into the schools they serve.    

	This particular Team Read event had some other special guests that were a
hit with the students. Basketball players from the Missouri Valley
Conference met with the students, reading stories and speaking about the
value of reading and education while in St. Louis for their conference
basketball tournament.  Additionally, Clifford the Big Red Dog and May Bear
from State Farm made appearances for the children.  Together we all read a
book about the tricks that Clifford could do, while he acted them out for
the children. With eager eyes and receptive smiles these students were
developing their early literacy skills and an overall enjoyment of books,
and I treasured the opportunity to share this experience with them.

	This past week has given me the opportunity to personally witness the future
of Missouri on the smiling faces of our children.  Each of us has the
opportunity to help ensure that their future is bright through supporting
education in our local communities.  I encourage everyone to share the gift
of reading and spend some valuable time with children in your communities.
I am sure you will find that this is a gift that you are not only giving to
these children but yourselves as well.