SC State 1890 Extension Pee Dee Hosts Read Across America In Florence County

National Read Across America Day is celebrated on March 2, the birthday of children’s author, Dr. Seuss. The annual event is part of Read Across America, a youth literacy initiative developed by the National Education Association. The SC State University 1890 Extension Pee Dee Region partnered with three regional schools, Theodore Lester Elementary, North Mullins Primary (Mullins) and McColl Elementary (McColl) to host Read Across America.
As part of its celebration, the regional office held interactive virtual sessions in which 4-H Youth Development Agent Kinda McInnis read, “I Can Read with my Eyes Shut.” The student participants, who are in Pre-K through second grade, each received a complimentary copy of the selected text and a stovepipe hat, similar to the kind worn by Cat in Hat.

Students at Theodore Lester Elementary School participated in Read Across America with SC State 1890 Research & Extension Pee Dee Region and 4-H Youth Development Agent, Kinda McInnis.

Read Across America is an annual reading motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading,” said McInnis.

"I enjoyed my virtual visits to each classroom, as it gave me the opportunity to further encourage young scholars at North Mullins Primary to develop strong literacy skills.”

Jessica Crowson, Theodore Lester Elmentary STEM eductor, commented on the school’s Facebook page, “What a great partnership! I enjoyed seeing the kids with their hats at school today! They were so proud!”

SC State 1890 serves as the outreach and public service arm for the university, located in Orangeburg. Among its programming, SC State 1890 offers a robust 4-H youth development program, which empowers kids through inspirational, hands-on learning experiences. The statewide program offers activities and projects in agriculture, arts, literacy, science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children to read through events, partnerships and reading resources that are for everyone.

For more information on this event or services offered by SC State 1890 Extension Pee Dee Region, contact Kinda McInnis, 4-H youth development agent, at 843.456.5174 or by e-mail kmcinnis@scsu.edu.