Seventh-graders from Kreps School visited K-3 students at Rogers School as part of the Read Across America program.
By:Michael Arges
Dressed as a cat, wearing a candy-striped top hat and red bow-tie, seventh-grader Keith Rubolo roamed the halls of Hightstown’s Rogers elementary school on the morning of March 1, distributing candy to younger students. It was a fitting way to celebrate the birthday of beloved children’s author Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), who used his zany imagination to entertain and educate generations of children.
Keith and other seventh-graders from Kreps middle school in East Windsor visited K-3 students at Rogers as part of the Read Across America program, a nationwide celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday that encourages children to read more.
Reading from Dr. Seuss’ books and from the books they wrote for a science project, seventh-graders from seven classes read to students from 16 K-3 classes.
It was a way to help students get excited about reading, said Kreps seventh-grade teacher Marlene Lewis, who worked with Rogers School third-grade teacher Michelle Corsi to arrange the event.
"I want the kids to share and get the experience of reading and enjoy reading," she said. "That’s what it’s all about!"
Gratitude was one motivation for the older students to help, said seventh-grader Amber Michael.
"When I was younger, people did it for me, and so I wanted to read to them," she said.
"I think it’s fun for the kids to read to them, and it helps them prepare for their future," added Jessica Rosato.
Why did Keith Rubolo volunteer to dress up as Dr. Seuss’ popular character, The Cat in the Hat?
"Because I like helping out little kids," he said. "My teacher Ms. [Jill] Neaton made the hat and the bow."
The rhyme, the rhythm and the imagination of Dr. Seuss’ books make them enjoyable and accessible for both older and younger students, teachers said.
"Only one mind can write like that!" commented Rogers second-grade teacher Jacki Olsen. "I think that for youngsters it’s very readable text. Our little ones could read it quite easily because of the rhyme and rhythm and simple vocabulary."
But Dr. Seuss appeals to all ages, noted Kreps seventh-grade teacher Missy Holtzman. "The older kids love it! The younger kids love it!"