Come March 2 our school celebrates all things Seuss! We had nine guest readers yesterday, eight parents and one of our substitutes. They read books that made us laugh, books that made us think, books that rhymed and books with no pictures. The children whose parents joined us beamed with happiness. The class welcomed each visitor as you would a guest to your home, making them feel special just because they were there. And I got to be read to, which I just adore.
Many of our guest readers were reading to us in a language that was not their native tongue. And you know what? Not one of the children corrected the way they pronounced a word or phrase. Not one of them giggled. And all of them understood the story and were eager to participate in a little book talk at the conclusion of each book. I loved how one of my students introduced his mom at the beginning of the day.
“Vasco, show your mom to the Queen’s chair (that would be my desk chair, a comfy spot from which to read) and introduce her to the class.”
“Ok, everyone,” he began, “this is my mom.”
“Well Vasco,” his mom admonished, “I have a name.”
“Oh, yeah, well, this is Anabel. And I might have to help her because sometimes her English isn’t that good. She only came her when she was 12. Right mom? You were 12?” he inquired.
“Yes, that’s right,” his mom said. “Thank you, Vasco. And thank you children, for having me.”
And then she read Dogbreath, by Dav Pilkey. Vasco just beamed. He was so happy to have his mom there. The class laughed in all the right places. And Vasco only had to step in and help out a few times. He even pointed out how the book had puns in it and made sure everyone got the humor.
This continued throughout the day. One of our substitute teachers came in dressed as a “Teacher of All Things” and read, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Another parent read an old, out of print book called, Grandpa’s Farm by James Flora. The tall tales in the book had the children howling for more. And then when they were read The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novack, some laughed until they cried.
Dr. Seuss would be proud to see the variety of books that children love today. And the willingness of wonderful parents to share their time with children, their time and a great book.
writintime 
A wonderful day in a truly special classroom–and with magnificent students. I would like to be in third grade again.
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You have recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary and transformed an annual event into memories of a lifetime. This is an event that many of us participate in, but your ability to sanctify it through your tremendous love of books, children, and their families is a gift that raises it to beautiful connections on so many levels.
Then to convey it so beautifully in words. Wow.
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