PHOTO: Facebook @Mayor Sam Joshi
Edison, NJ: Mayor Sam Joshi of Edison, New Jersey, participated in the Read Across America initiative, joining local students to celebrate the power of books and literacy. The event, held in local schools, aimed to encourage reading habits among young learners while highlighting the importance of education in community development.
Key Facts:
- National Initiative: Read Across America, launched by the National Education Association (NEA), is an annual literacy campaign that promotes reading among children across the U.S.
- Mayor’s Participation: Mayor Sam Joshi read stories to students in Edison schools, emphasizing the role of books in shaping young minds.
- Community Impact: The initiative fosters a love for reading among children, with educators and local leaders advocating for stronger literacy programs.
During the event, Mayor Joshi engaged with students through storytelling sessions and discussions about their favorite books. “Reading is the foundation of knowledge, and instilling this habit in children early on sets them up for success,” he remarked.
Teachers and parents welcomed the mayor’s involvement, noting that such initiatives help bridge gaps in literacy and inspire young readers. The event also featured interactive reading activities, where students were encouraged to share their thoughts on books.
The broader Read Across America campaign, traditionally celebrated in early March to honor Dr. Seuss’s birthday, has expanded to include diverse literary works that reflect multicultural perspectives. Edison, with its large and diverse student population, played a key role in showcasing the inclusivity of the program.
Do You Know? Read Across America began in 1998 and initially focused on Dr. Seuss's books, but in recent years, it has shifted to promoting a broader range of diverse literature.
Key Terms:
- Read Across America: A nationwide literacy initiative led by the NEA to encourage reading among children.
- NEA: The National Education Association, the largest professional organization for educators in the U.S.