Hugo Reid Honors Dr. Seuss, Encourages Students to Love Reading

recently joined tens of thousands of elementary schools in a nationwide celebration of reading.

Every year, the National Education Association, a group of more than 3.2 million educators who work to improve public schools, call upon schools around the nation to encourage children to develop a life-long love affair with books.

The NEA times its annual Read Across America campaign around the March 2 birthday of famed children's book author Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss—the mastermind behind such classics as "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Cat in the Hat."

Schools participate in the campaign by hosting a day of events designed to get kids reading that center around Seuss' beloved books.

However, Hugo Reid one-upped the rest with an entire week's worth of activities for students that began Feb. 27.

The festivities kicked off Monday with "Pull the Plug and Read," during which parents and students alike pledged not to watch television for an evening and read instead.

Students brought a can of soda to sip on Tuesday as they read outside for 20 minutes during "Pop Your Top and Read" day. The Cat in the Hat made a special appearance.

Groups of students from visited Hugo Reid on Wednesday to read their favorite book to the younger kids. Thursday's "The Big Switch" had Hugo Reid students reading with students from other grade levels.  

The week culminated Friday with guests readers and cupcakes provided courtesy of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association and the Student Council.

Grace, a student in Kristine Morris' second-grade class, immigrated to the U.S. without knowing a word of English. Books helped Grace master her new language.

"Books make your brain smarter," the self-described avid reader said.

Teachers and parents: Upload your Read Across America photos or just snapshots of you reading to your students.