NEA's Read Across America

Read Across Washington Day

NEA President Reg Weaver revved up hundreds of elementary students during the kickoff of Read Across Washington Monday, June 30, 2008. Photo by Patrick G. Ryan. Courtesy of NEA. All Rights Reserved

To promote summer reading, the National Education Association teamed up with Metropolitan Washington, D.C., area public libraries on Monday, June 30. The day kicked off with a special event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library where NEA President Reg Weaver joined the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2, along with other VIPs, to read Dr. Seuss classics to hundreds of local students.

Readings with local authors and storytellers took place throughout the day at public libraries in Washington, Maryland and Virginia.

Find an event near you >

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Reading Warrior?

This summer, some new cats are jumping on the reading bandwagon—felines from Warriors, Erin Hunter's bestselling book series for middle school and young adult readers. The Reading Warriors Summer Reading Challenge is filled with the same excitement that has mesmerized millions of young readers.

For the challenge, kids ages 8 and up are encouraged to follow the "Code of the Reading Warrior" and read 10 books this summer. Kids are free to make their own choices of reading material, although a suggested reading list is provided, and materials at www.readingwarriors.com will support and reward them on their honorable quest. Don't be a kittypet this summer—be a Reading Warrior!

Get Caught Listening

Recent studies have shown that one in every five American households listen to audiobooks. Get Caught Listening is a nationwide public service campaign intended to promote the joys of audiobook listening. The sister program to Get Caught Reading, Get Caught Listening, is run by the American Association of Publishers and features free posters and audio downloads of favorite authors. For more information, go to www.getcaughtreading.org/listening.

Order Your 2009 RAA Calendar Now

It's never too early to order your 2009 Read Across America calendar. Filled with illustrations and book recommendations for readers of all ages, and packed with posters, sticker sheets, and more, the 2009 school year calendar promises to keep reading on your radar all year long. Go to www.nea.org/readacross to place your order.

Read for the Gold! Host a Summer Reading Olympics

Swifter, Higher, Stronger... that's the motto of the 2008 Summer Olympics taking place in Beijing, China, in August.

This summer, make it your motto to help children develop into swifter readers with higher comprehension skills and stronger vocabularies. Research shows children lose one to three months of learning every summer. Reading Is Fundamental challenges educators, kids, and families to team up this summer by hosting a Summer Reading Olympics. You'll find Olympic activities, booklists, educator guides, and more. Go to www.rif.org.

FirstBook Marketplace

Looking for books for your literacy program? Check out the FirstBook Marketplace to purchase new books at substantial discounts. For guidelines and book selection, go to www.firstbookmarketplace.org. And don't forget to volunteer or sign up for the FirstBook national distribution program at www.firstbook.org.

Ashoka's Youth Venture

Ashoka's Youth Venture is a global movement of young people who are generating serious environmental and social change. They help people between the ages of 12 and 20 turn their Earth-saving ideas into high-impact reality. "Venturers" are provided with resources—including up to $1,000 in funding—to create their own youth-led projects, groups, and organizations. Venturers pursue individual passions in innovative ways, whether by converting a school bus into a bio-diesel-powered classroom or developing a line of handmade reusable grocery bags. Learn more at www.genv.net.

Summer Learning Is In the Bag

The school bell may stop ringing, but summer is a great time for all kinds of learning opportunities for kids. Reading Rockets has packed a virtual Beach Bag of activities for teachers to help families get ready for summer and to launch students to fun, enriching summertime experiences. Educators will find materials to download and distribute, as well as ideas and connections to offer to students and parents to help ensure summer learning gain rather than loss. Plus, you'll have a chance to win a real bag to tote around your own summer reading! Reading Rockets' sister Web site, AdLit.org, also offers ideas to help keep middle and high school students engaged and challenged during the summertime, and an opportunity to win a selection of new young adult book titles.

Seuss on the Loose at Sylvan Learning Center

Sylvan Learning Center, the nation's leading provider of supplemental assistance for children in grades preK-12, has joined NEA's Read Across America in spreading the word about reading. "The more children read, the more they'll enjoy reading and the better readers they are likely to become," said Richard E. Bavaria, vice president of education for Sylvan Learning Center. NEA President Reg Weaver agreed. "Part of Read Across America's phenomenal success is its diverse participation from more than 45 million nationwide, and with Sylvan Learning Center's help, our commitment to building a nation of readers can be realized." Read more.

Celebrate Reading All Year Long

Looking to celebrate reading all year long? NEA's Read Across America's 2008 Resource Calendar and toolkit—with art by well known children's illustrators—shines its light on fun books and book events. You'll also find posters, tips on Read Across America Day events, and links to keep reading on the radar throughout the year. Limited print quantities are available for order.

2008 Youth Leaders for Literacy Grant Winners Announced

The winning projects for this year's Youth Leaders for Literacy (YLL) grant competition to put reading on the map are diverse and creative. With more than 200 entries, 30 have been selected to receive a cash grant of $500, for a total of $15,000 in cash awards. The winning youth-led initiatives will launch on March 3, NEA's Read Across America Day, and will culminate during Youth Service America's Global Youth Service Days, April 25-27, 2008. Find out about this year's recipients and their winning projects.

Get Connected

Our e-newsletter will provide the latest news in reading from Read Across America and partner organizations. You'll find links to grant information, classroom and parent materials, and more. To join, NEA members should send a blank e-mail to join-nea-raa-enewsletter@list.nea.org.