Dr. Seuss agrees: Reading is key to success

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/02/2023 (1159 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

February is I Love To Read month. And I love to read. Over the coming weeks, I will visit many elementary schools and daycares in the Radisson constituency so I can read to as many young people as I can. This gives me the opportunity to join parents, grandparents, teachers and others in encouraging our young people to develop a love for reading.

As Dr. Seuss said: “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”

Books can ignite the imagination and open up new and exciting opportunities for learning, growth and careers. It helps children to develop critical thinking skills and expand their perspective on the world.

Dr. Seuss also reminds us that improving literacy in our community is everyone’s responsibility: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

Many young students, particularly those from low-income families, do not have as much access to the books they need to develop their reading skills. When we work together, we can provide children with access to books and other reading materials so they will unlock their full potential. School libraries, the Transcona Public Library and even community-based Little Free Libraries are great resources for this.

Reading is the foundation upon which all other learning is built. It is essential for children to develop strong reading skills so they can understand and process the information they receive in all subjects, including science, math, and social studies. Reading also helps children to develop strong critical thinking skills, which are essential for success.

My favourite kinds of books to read in schools are those with a lot of different voices, accents and even sound effects. I usually work in something by Dr. Seuss: “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so…get on your way!”

By working together to support young students in their reading and literacy skills, we can ensure that they have the foundation they need to succeed and reach their full potential. Let’s start well by unlocking the magic and wonder of reading at a young age and throughout our lives.