I had the privilege this morning to celebrate Read Across America by sharing a great book with a group of youngsters at the Governor Morehead Preschool. This group was full of energy. The children included several elementary students from the Governor Morehead School as well as children from the 3-to-5-year-old inclusive preschool classroom. The GMS Preschool uses a mixed classroom style of learning that incorporates children with visual impairments and children developing normally.
We read Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The version I read of Carle’s story was created to inspire all children; it included the story in print and in Braille as well as tactile illustrations designed to be felt by the reader. The children listened and learned of the caterpillar’s transformation into a beautiful butterfly.
We also read Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss. The children enjoyed the tongue-twisting Seuss style we all know and love. We all had the opportunity to laugh, as it was a bit of challenge for me, much like the book’s character Mr. Knox, to get all the words out.
We also sang happy birthday to Dr. Seuss since today would have been his birthday.
These wonderful children reinforced for me today how important the work is that we do at the Department of Health and Human Services. As I watched the dedicated teachers and assistants, working with the children and helping them grow and learn, it was a great gift to add to the day.
