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Reminder Assistant Editor WEST SPRINGFIELD ". And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! So ... be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, you're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way!" State Rep. James Welch read from the tongue twisting rhymes of Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" to Jamie Deenihan's first grade class at Memorial Elementary School last week. Long after Dr. Seuss's death in 1991, and on what would have been his 104th birthday, students across the country participated in the eighth annual National Education Association's Read Across America Day last week. Welch read to the attentive students from Seuss's final children's book, which was published the year prior to his death. The book rhythmically tells the tale of all the places the character "You" will go and the many valuable experiences he will gain throughout his lifetime. After completing his reading of the story, Welch discussed Seuss's underlying message with the students. "Did he say 'If you try once, you will succeed?'" he asked. Deb Fiorentino, reading specialist at the Memorial Elementary School, said that Welch's appearance is just one of many from other community role models throughout the school year. She explained that teachers are required to read one book each day to their students in order to promote reading as a "natural process." Fiorentino said when public officials read to the children they learn to view reading as a leisure or fun occurrence and not just as a school-mandated activity. She added that it is vital that students read and study the language of books because of other media, such as television's, lack of "authentic grammar and language" throughout their programming. Fiorentino noted the importance of literacy and a sophisticated knowledge of the English language and grammar to ensure success on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System. "Any time I get invited to a classroom it's the best part of the job . to spend time with kids and have a dialogue [with them] and stress the importance of reading," Welch told Reminder Publications. "I just try to use my own personal experience knowing that in any job or school experience, the people who can write and express themselves well will have an advantage in the classroom and the workplace." Deenihan said her students gained a wealth of knowledge about Dr. Seuss and his significance to the area as a Springfield native. She explained that her students have acquired a stronger appreciation for their own literacy through the special guest readers such as Mayor Edward Gibson and Welch. For more information about Read Across America Day or Dr. Seuss go to www.seussville.com. | ||||||
