Old Dominion University's Darden College of Education chapter of the Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) will host a 'Read Across America' kick-off event on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake, Va.

This event will feature 250 free hardcover Dr. Seuss books for children, a Dr. Seuss characters meet n' greet and photo booth, a Dr. Seuss story time, and a variety of Virginia Standards of Learning-aligned art activities. Free and open to the public, children who attend will also have the opportunity to sign up for library cards and parents will receive additional literacy resources.

"The Read Across America kick-off event is a unique opportunity for ODU's pre-service teachers to make an impact in the local Hampton Roads community and work with local children, said Dr. Kelly Rippard, SVEA Faculty Advisor and Lecturer for the Teaching & Learning Department. "Not only does the event give these future teachers instructional planning experience, but it allows them to work with local children to show them how fun literacy, reading and art can be."

This event is being funded by an NEA CREATE grant awarded to SVEA in fall 2017. The NEA CREATE grant was written and designed to enhance public education and support community outreach.

The sixteenth annual National Education Association's (NEA) Read Across America Day will be held on Monday, March 2. The goal is to show America's children the joy of reading and build a nation of readers.