Fifth grader Nicolas Rivera learned an important lesson last week. “Never trust a spider,” he said, referring to his interpretation of the children’s book Spider and the Fly.
Nicolas and students throughout Weehawken read and talked about books as part of the Read Across America Program last week. The reading motivation and awareness program has been held on the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss since 1997.
According to the National Education Association (NEA), research has shown that children who spend more time reading do better in school.
Both the Daniel Webster School and Theodore Roosevelt School held programs in Weehawken in celebration of the event, and Weehawken High School participated by sending teachers to the other schools to help out.
Student Chelsea Magan helped kick off the event at the Roosevelt School by reading a passage from a Seuss book especially chosen because of its mention of Weehawken, Horton Hatches the Egg.
“Reading is so important in your life, but most people just want to play video games.” – Student Roland Eberhard
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Many kids sported Seuss hats and brought stuffed animals to cuddle while they were read to by politicians, police officers, librarians, and others.
Special guests
Mrs. Cheplic’s fifth grade class was read to by Deputy Mayor Robert Sosa, who regaled the class with lively adaptations of The Sneetches and Spider and the Fly.
“It was funny,” said Janelli Lopez of Spider and the Fly. “I liked it because it was mysterious.”
Arben Berisha said he likes that the books are both humorous and have a message. His classmate, Yasier Panameno, agreed and particularly liked the message of The Sneetches because it reminded him of the segregation between whites and blacks in the United States.
“It had a good ending,” said Yasier. “Because they all get together.”
Miss Dorsey’s third grade class enjoyed a book discussion with Councilman Robert Zucconi after reading Chicken Sunday together. Dorsey said that her students often check in with her to see how far along she is in the books she reads, and added that the students get really excited about the high number of pages in her books.
The moral of the story
Deputy Chief Jeffrey Fulcher spent the morning with Mrs. Alegretta’s fifth grade class, reading Seuss classics Oh the Places You’ll Go and the Cat in the Hat.
Afterwards, the students took turns reading from Horton Hatches the Egg in a circle.
Kevin “KJ” Levine Jr. said he enjoyed the celebration because he likes Dr. Seuss. He is especially fond of Green Eggs and Ham, a book that his father reads to him a lot.
“Many books were exciting,” said Mya Adasse. “They have lessons, like in the Horton book, if you don’t do the work, you don’t get the reward.”
All of the students in Mrs. Alegretta’s class agreed that learning the morals of the stories is important, but one student pointed out that most important thing kids can do is pick up a book in the first place.
“Reading is so important in your life,” said Roland Eberhard. “But most people just want to play video games.”
Roland said that people are too obsessed with electronics and is happy that his parents never allowed video games in the house because that helped him focus on other things.
Eliza Leal said a day of celebrating reading is important because it helps people remember the importance of books that have become classics over the years.
Alfred Orecchio, principal of Roosevelt School, was happy to find a new use for his old classics. “[Today] had a special meaning for me because I’ve had these books,” he said. “Now, in my first year as principal, all of a sudden they have become very sentimental to me.”
Kevin McLellan, superintendent of schools, has been involved in Read Across America every year since he has been in the district.
“It’s a great opportunity to get back into the classroom,” said McLellan. “And to interact with our students. I’m amazed at their abilities. It’s a credit to the faculty and staff.”
Orecchio said he hopes the program will boost the idea that “reading is cool,” a sentiment he said is already popular among the kids because the teachers have been making the books interesting for them.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.