IN PHOTOS: AEA Gives gift of

AEA celebrated Read Across America this year by giving the gift of reading to students across the state.

Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading

skills, comprehension, receptive/expressive language skills, and imagination.” Throughout the month of March, AEA continued AEA President Carol Fleming spent Read Across the visits to provide books to as many schools as America Day visiting students in Central Arkansas possible. Two years ago, AEA initiated the Gift school districts, reading and delivering books. of Reading Program. Since its implementation, Each young reader received a book, and each we have provided books to school library got a set of books for libraries throughout the state. students and families to enjoy. The program was expanded this “My hope is that these books will year thanks to a grant from the bring happiness and excitement National Education Association. to the students and spark their NEA has awarded more than love of reading,” Fleming said. $50,000 in Read Across America “As a speech-language grants to state affiliates to help pathologist, I understand the enhance activities, promote a importance of reading for our love of reading, focus attention children. It allows our students to on the literacy needs and success broaden their vocabulary, literacy of students of all ages, and highlight diverse authors.

My hope is that these books will bring happiness and excitement to the students and spark their love of reading.” – Carol Fleming