Annual Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash to be held March 2

The Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash returns to Kathryn Winn Primary 10 a.m.-1 p.m. this Saturday. The eighth annual community literacy fair will be held in the school gymnasium, cafeteria and library/media center on the actual birthday of the beloved children’s author Theodor Seuss Geisel, who was born 109 year ago on March 2.

The event, which involves more than 20 community groups, offers a variety of literacy-based activities for young children and is sponsored this year by the Carroll County Early Childhood Council.

Activity areas will be set up where children will be able to play games, participate in activities, read, and enjoy free pizza and birthday cake.

The Carroll County Public Library will sponsor a Family Time Entertainment presentation of “Colors and Numbers and Magic, Oh My!” at 11 a.m. in the Winn cafeteria.

“It’s a funny magic show with lots of audience participation geared toward children from 3-8 years old,” said Leslie Sutherland, children’s librarian at CCPL, who arranged the presentation. “The kids will get to show off their skills knowing their numbers and colors as Magic Don seems to struggle with his numbers and colors.”

In addition to engaging activities, each child who participates will also receive a free book and an opportunity to receive door prizes, which are funded through a grant from the Carroll County Early Childhood Council.

“The Dr. Seuss event provides families with opportunities to engage in fun language activities with their children,” Carroll County Head Start Coordinator Pam McNeal, who has helped to organize the event, said. “Language is the key to understanding.”

Leah Spencer, early childhood education manager at the Carroll County Child Development Center, said activities will be centered on the Dr. Seuss book, “One Fish, Two Fish,” with activities designed so that parents can duplicate them at home with their children.

“We’re trying to encourage parents to use everyday situations and items around the home as opportunities for learning,” Spencer said. “If a child is eating M&Ms, a parent can use that as a chance to work on learning colors.  When shopping, parents can play a game where children can look for the first letter of their name on the products along the aisles.”

The Early Childhood Council has already held two previous literacy events this school year, focused on the children’s books “The Polar Express” (in December) and “Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do I Hear?” (in January). At each event, parents of preschool children are invited to join the “Panther Tots Club.” Spencer said parents are reminded to bring their Panther Tots membership card for an extra chance to win door prizes, which include a four-person pass to the Louisville Science Center and the Louisville Zoo.

“When parents read to their children and engage in language activities, it helps build children’s vocabulary,” said Pam Williams, Carroll County School’ elementary instructional supervisor, who helped initiate the event seven years ago when she served as the Carroll County Head Start coordinator. “Children that have a big vocabulary early in life can get more out of all learning opportunities, including reading.”

Robin Heusman, director of Carroll County’s Family Ties Resource Center, said that an average of more than 450 children and adults have attended the Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash the last seven years, and that hundreds of individuals representing schools, businesses, industries, government agencies, and nonprofit groups have worked together to make the event possible.  The event is affiliated with the National Education Association’s Read Across America Week.

“The Dr. Seuss Birthday Bash provides active, hands-on, and fun learning experiences,” Williams said. “Rich experiences like these help develop language skills, the key to learning.”

Jeff Fremin is director of public relations for Carroll County Public Schools.