On Wednesday, March 22, the Associated Students of Skyline College hosted the first ever Read Across America event which welcomed students, children from the Child Development Laboratory Center, faculty and staff to the Multicultural Center. Participants were invited to come relax, celebrate youth, and emphasize the importance of education, literacy, and building connections. The purpose of the event was to bridge the gap between the CDLC and ASSC. The ASSC wanted to stress the importance of reading and education. It was important that the children get to see students enjoying reading. Additionally, the hope is that the children got some inspiration by seeing students reading versus their teachers or parents reading to them.
The ASSC marketed the event campus wide inviting faculty, staff and students who would like to participate to join. The event was not catered to just the CDLC children. In the midst of midterms, it was also an opportunity for students to come read children’s book to celebrate youth, get some R&R and enjoy reading.
It was a safe, non-judgmental space to appreciate the privilege and freedom to read as well as create bonds with Skyline College community members despite age differences. Although the event only lasted an hour, students and staff befriended the children from CDLC; from looking at Dr. Seuss’ beloved classics to coloring Disney’s Bambi, they read stories, took pictures, and created drawings together. Participants at the event left with stickers, crayons, words of Dr. Seuss, and smiles.
Article by Members of ASSC
