During the days before famed children's book author Theodore Geisel's March 2 birthday - you might know him as Dr. Seuss - schools around the country plan events to promote literacy.
Even if you don't have children, you can get involved this year and help children discover a love for reading. Central Missouri Community Action is planning "Read Across Head Start Week" for Feb. 26 to March 2, and volunteers are needed.
Each day, volunteers will spend time reading aloud to students at the Fulton Head Start Center (1600 Westminster Ave.). Call 573-642-3201 to schedule a time to read. Head Start is a preschool program for children age 3-5 from low-income families.
"(Reading out loud) helps promote literacy skills," said Teressa Huskey, team leader at Head Start. "It's important for children to learn these skills early."
She said students love having visitors in the classroom and they're always eager to hear stories.
"Sometimes we'll have the fire department come in," Huskey added.
Volunteers are welcome to bring their own book or borrow one of the many in the classroom. Books should be age-appropriate.
She recommends scheduling a time between 9-10:30 a.m. or 2-4:30 p.m. Depending on whether children are participating in structured or free-play activities at the time of the visit, volunteers may find themselves reading to individual children or a whole group.
Huskey said volunteering can be a rewarding experience.
"It's great, just getting to come and spend time with the kids and see their enjoyment when they have people show interest in them," she said.
Or, as Dr. Seuss might put it:
"To help children's chance of succeeding,
Cozy up with a book and start reading!"