Reading 'One Fish, Two Fish'

Some of the kindergarteners in Ms. Tina Watson's class at  couldn't hold back their giggles Wednesday when I read, "Did you ever fly a kite in bed? Did you ever walk with 10 cats on your head?"

Others sat mesmerized as I read the part about a seven-humped Wump and showed the class a drawing of Mr. Gump.

I read Dr. Seuss' One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish to the youngsters in recognition of Read Across America Day, which the National Education Association holds each year on Dr. Seuss' birthday to celebrate literature.

The children's reaction to my reading reminded me of how special storytelling can be—the students' eyes lit up with every page turn, even though most said they have a copy of the Dr. Seuss classic at home.

After reading to the students, they had the opportunity to ask me questions about storytelling in the form of journalism and news. 

"What is news," a young girl asked. I told her that news is something new that happens in a certain place at a certain time, and can affect us all.

A young boy asked how someone becomes a writer. I told him that it helps to first become a reader, as reading helps develop writing skills. 

Then one boy asked, "Why do you like Dr. Seuss so much?"

I replied that I enjoy how Dr. Seuss rhymes, just like the cat in the hat. I asked the students what else rhymes with cat and hat.

"Fat!"

"Bat!"

"Sat!"

The words came flying at me. Dr. Seuss would have been proud.

Earlier: