Orange County students celebrate National Read Across America Day

Nichole Pichardo

March marks National Reading Month, and school districts from across the county are raising awareness about the importance, value and fun of reading by celebrating Read Across America Day.

Created by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998, and celebrated annually on March 2, National Read Across America Day is an initiative aimed at encouraging stronger reading habits among children.

While the pandemic may have changed the size and scope of local celebrations, that didn’t stop teachers and students from dressing up as their favorite book characters — or donning their coziest pajamas — and spending the day reading and celebrating literacy.

This year, Read Across America Day is encouraging families to read and grow together with 12 months of recommended books, authors and teaching resources that promote diversity and inclusion. The NEA’s website also offers 13 ways to celebrate literacy within schools and communities that are also adaptable for social distancing.

Although current safety measures kept OCDE Newsroom staff from physically visiting classrooms this year, we’re rounding up a few of our favorite Read Across America Day celebrations from schools across Orange County.