Kid's Author 'Chips' In for Read Across America Day

Photos Courtesy of West Pottsgrove Elementary School

Children's author Kathy Miller brought along her friend Chippy the Chipmunk for a visit to West Pottsgrove Elementary School on Read Across America Day.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by West Pottsgrove Elementary Principal Terri Koehler

March 2 has become a big deal at West Pottsgrove Elementary School. 

March 2 is the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss and is now celebrated in many schools as Read Across America. 

Green Eggs and Ham was on both the

reading menu and eating menu.

This year we were pleased to have award-winning author, Kathy Miller, join us for our celebration. 

Ms. Miller uses nature photography as the basis for her children’s stories about Chippy the Chipmunk. During her presentation Ms. Miller showed the children how she takes the photos, what makes a good photo and shared how the children could use a photo to “find their stories.” 

Ms. Miller also talked about wild birds and showed an example of how chipmunks build their burrows underground. Chippy the Chipmunk even made an appearance and greeted the children as they exited the assembly. 

Following the assembly, we hosted a lunch with Ms. Miller for the top readers in each classroom. 

During the lunch the children got to learn more about the work Ms. Miller does to build her stories. Following the lunch, Ms. Miller then spent the afternoon meeting with the students that had purchased her books and took time to autograph each and every one!

In addition to Ms. Miller’s visit, there were many more things going on in the building to celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss, including a choice of green eggs and ham for lunch! 

Students, teachers and parents all Read Across America on March 2.

There were classroom activities, special mystery readers and our second grade students read to our kindergarten students. 

It was capped off in the evening during our family night at the book fair. This was more than an opportunity for families to shop the book fair, West Pottsgrove believes in using this an opportunity to foster our love of reading and literacy with our families. 

Adopting a camping theme, West staff, volunteers, Terri. Minotto, Julie. Farris and Breanna Flora gathered children around a “campfire” and shared stories about camping. 

Following the stories, there were camping inspired crafts led by Christine Reisner, Jean Randall, Leah Quigley and Mrs. Tomaselli. Mrs. Harrison, building reading specialist, planned and organized all of the activities and events for the day. 

 The author visit and special lunch were made possible through the generosity of the West Pottsgrove PTA.