Read Across Iowa celebrations at New Albin Elementary ...

Read Across Iowa launched March 1 and began a month-long celebration to bring the joys of reading to kids of all ages. Agriculturally-themed Read Across Iowa classroom visits happened at New Albin Elementary School and across the state and featured books and materials about agriculture that will appeal to all readers.

Becky Rea, K-12 Program Coordinator from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County visited Pre-K through second grade classes at New Albin Elementary School. “Sylvia’s Spinach” or “Right This Very Minute” were read aloud to each class. Classes sampled either a yogurt parfait or salad kabob featuring spinach (far left photo). Pre-K and Kindergarten made plant part flowers (middle photo). First and second grade planted spinach seeds (far right photo). “When you read with children, you are making an investment,” said Rea. “Early reading and talking with children gives them a strong start and a life-long return.”

Read Across Iowa is organized as a collaborative effort between the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa 4-H Youth Development and the Iowa State Education Association. Some books and materials were provided by donations and grants from Dollar General, GROWMARK, the National Education Association, Iowa State University College of Human Sciences, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H Youth Development and other partners of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation. To learn more, visit https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/Tools-Resources/Other/Read-Across-Iowa. Photos courtesy of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Allamakee County.