There were cops and students and a cow that moos, all in the Pecanland Mall to celebrate Dr. Seuss.
ULM students, area teachers and community members celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 109th birthday by reading to local children as a part of the Louisiana Association of Educators’ “Read Across Louisiana” campaign.
The program offered people the opportunity to take a moment from their day to read some of Dr. Seuss’ most famous books, like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Horton Hears a Who.”
“We do things like this across the state as a way to promote reading and literacy for all children,” said Anglea Miller, a staffer with LAE with more than 20 years experience as a teacher.
Miller said the program was successful thanks to all the hard work put in by Pecanland Mall organizers and area teachers who helped to get the word out about the program.
Aisling Carbery-Shaha was one of many education majors who signed up to read to the kids.
“I love kids,” Carbery-Shaha said. “If you don’t love the kids, then you don’t need to be in the field.”
Other education majors who participated were Shernikwa Fairley, Reianna Morse and Devan Oetgen.
Miller said she’s always had a passion for education, and her organization hosts forums and events to inform the public about current events involving public education.
“I believe in public education,” Miller said. “That’s why I do this.”
Natalie Williams, a middle school English teacher, went the extra mile for the kids by dressing up as the Cat in the Hat and signing autographs and taking pictures with the kids.
Williams said she has a desire to help kids gain knowledge.
“If you’re knowledgeable, then you’re more likely to be successful,” Williams said.
One way she said parents can help their kids gain more knowledge is by reading to them.
Local weatherman Tom Pearson also showed up to read to the kids. Joining him were members of the Monroe Police Department, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, local parents, mall employees and members of the public at-large, who stopped by to offer their services for the children.
Read Across Louisiana is a part of the larger “Read Across America” campaign.
