Penn Valley Elementary School recently celebrated Read Across America Week with a heartwarming activity that brought students together through the joy of reading, as third graders partnered with kindergarten students to share their love of books, foster connections and build literacy skills.

Read Across America Week is an annual event launched by the National Education Association (NEA) to promote a love of reading in children of all ages. Timed to coincide with Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, the event takes place during the first week of March and encourages schools, libraries and communities to host reading activities that inspire young minds and reinforce the importance of literacy.

Research shows that reading aloud plays a vital role in a child's cognitive and social development. Events like Penn Valley's buddy reading program provide students with an opportunity to practice their reading skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop empathy through shared experiences.

As Read Across America Week continues to inspire young readers nationwide, Penn Valley’s celebration demonstrated that the most memorable stories are often the ones we share with others.

For more information about Read Across America Week and ways to encourage reading at home, visit the National Education Association website.