Literacy Corps hosts annual Dr. Seuss birthday party
On Friday, March 2, Maryville College’s Literacy Corps held a birthday party for Dr. Seuss. The Center for Campus Ministry was filled to the brim with 47 children and 110 total people who all love Dr. Seuss and his books.
There were many literacy- and Dr. Seuss-themed activities in which everyone participated. The kids made their own hats to resemble the Cat in the Hat or blue hair to look like Thing 1 or Thing 2. People colored pictures of classic Dr. Seuss images and read some of his books. Some took part in word games like Apples to Apples to continue the literacy theme.
Then, all the kids, parents and students gathered around with the Cat in the Hat (sophomore Eric Fitzgerald) and the Kitty in the Hat (sophomore Kayla Callicutt) to listen to Dr. Seuss’ “Happy Birthday to You!” read by Shaynie Grey. After singing happy birthday, the cakes were cut and enjoyed by everyone.
The kids were very excited to see the Cat in the Hat, the Kitty in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2.
Fitzgerald said: “I loved seeing the kids having so much fun and getting to act like a kid with them. One little boy even drew me a picture, and my heart melted on the spot.”
Literacy Corps enjoys putting on fun events that let everyone involved have a good time while promoting literacy and education.
This particular annual event is used by the Literacy Corps to promote literacy awareness and to keep kids interested in reading. All the children left with bookmarks and reading charts with stickers to encourage them to continue reading on their own.
According to Literacy Corps faculty advisor Diana Curtis: “The Literacy Corps students worked hard on this event, and we were all thrilled about the turnout. We know that if a student falls behind in reading by third grade, their chances of success through high school are greatly reduced. The Dr. Seuss party is such a fabulous way to remind kids and parents that reading is important.”
The party was a great event filled with laughing people of all ages. The fun had by all will hopefully serve as a reminder to everyone of the fun one can have by reading.
To quote Dr. Seuss himself: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”